Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Musheer Khan have been earmarked as torch-bearers of Mumbai’s batting legacy. While Musheer strengthened his claim at No. 3 with a classy hundred, Raghuvanshi cemented his place as an opener with a maiden First Class century, helping Mumbai dominate the opening day of its Ranji Trophy clash against Haryana on Monday.

Riding on the youngsters’ entertaining 208-run partnership for the second wicket, Mumbai reached 290 for three when bad light brought an early end to play at the MCA’s Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground.

Raghuvanshi’s 114 (180b, 13x4, 1x6) and Musheer’s 109 (185b, 12x4, 1x6) ensured that Haryana captain Ankit Kumar’s decision to field first yielded little reward. Hoping the fresh pitch would assist his pace attack, Ankit instead saw his bowlers struggle to contain the two youngsters after an early breakthrough.

Raghuvanshi began cautiously, while Divyaansh Saxena was trapped in front, attempting an on-the-up drive off Aman Kumar. Musheer, however, immediately unsettled the bowlers with his willingness to step out of the crease.

Raghuvanshi took his time to settle into his customary stroke-making mode. His first boundary, a straight drive off Ajith Chahal on the 27th ball he faced, signalled a change of gears. Thereafter, the runs came with increasing fluency.

It was heartening to see both youngsters stick to conventional strokeplay, driving with finesse whenever the bowlers pitched it up. With the introduction of spin, they added cuts and sweeps to their repertoire, keeping the scoreboard moving at close to four runs an over.

Shortly before tea, Raghuvanshi, having reached the three-figure mark, was caught behind off Samant Jakhar. Musheer bought up his century with a single off offie Kanishk Chauhan.

Musheer’s dismissal, leg-before to Anuj Thakral soon afterwards, brought elder brother Sarfaraz to the crease. He negotiated the final hour comfortably alongside captain Siddhesh Lad as Mumbai consolidated its position.

The scores: Mumbai – 1st innings: Divyaansh Saxena lbw b Aman 10, Angkrish Raghuvanshi c Dalal b Jakhar 114, Musheer Khan lbw b Thakral 109, Siddhesh Lad (batting) 29, Sarfaraz Khan (batting) 21; Extras (b-5, w-2): 7; Total (for three wkts. in 82 overs): 290.

Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-220, 3-255.

Haryana bowling: Aman 14-6-40-1, Ajit 15-1-44-0, Thakral 13-1-55-1, Sindhu 9-0-51-0, Jakhar 8-1-25-1, Chouhan 20-1-59-0, Vats 3-0-11-0.

Toss: Haryana.