Mazumdar and Mota bolster Mumbai to 272-6

Mohali, Dec 11 (UNI) A 133-run sixth-wicket partnership between Amol Mazumdar (batting 86) and Wilkin Mota (74) helped Mumbai score 272 for six in their first innings at close of play against Punjab on the third day of the four-day Elite Group B Ranji Trophy match at the PCA Stadium here today.

The visitors now trail by 81 runs with four wickets in hand.

Tomorrow's first session will be very crucial for both teams as the match is heading for a draw. Points are likely to be awarded on the basis of the first-innings lead..

Mumbai were in a better state of affairs before the fall of Mota's wicket, caught by wicketkeeper Pankaj Dharmani of the bowling of Ishan Malhotra (2 for 62). After checking the visibility with their light metres, the umpires offered to close third day's play.

However, the Mumbai batsmen preferred to continue despite failing light. Only 13 balls could be bowled and Mumbai suffered a setback as Mota departed after scoring his highest total of 74 with the help of nine fours and a 193-minute vigil on the wicket. His previous highest score was 55 against Delhi in 2004-5 season.

Mumbai were five down for 139 before Mota and Mazumdar steadied their innings with a 133-run association for the sixth wicket. They carried the total to 272 when Mota department in fading light. After the fall of Mota's wicket the Mumbai batsmen approached the umpires to call off the day's play due to bad light.

Mazumdar's unbeaten knock contained seven fours and he has so far remained on the wicket for 330 minutes and faced 202 deliveries.

Mazumdar was also associated in a 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Rohit Sharma (22, 3x4s). He enjoyed a life when he was dropped by Ravneet Ricky and the bowler to suffer was Ishan Maohotra. Mazumdar was then batting on 42 and the total was 146 for 5.

On his debut, medium pacer Amanpreet Singh generated good pace and was awarded with 3 for 54 in 23 overs.Ishan Malhotra captured two wickets for 62 runs.

Scoreboard: Punjab (Ist innings): 353 (all out) Mumbai (Ist innings); Sahil Kukreja c Dharmani b Ishan Malhotra 43 Vinayak Mane c Gupta b Amanpreet 20 Bhavin Thakkar c Uday Kaul b Amit Uniyal 5 Amil Mazumdar batting 86 Rohit Sharma c Ravneet Ricky b Amanpreet 22 Ramesh Powar c Dharami b Amanpreet 2 Wilkin Mota c Dharmani b Ishan Malhotra 74 Extras (NB 6 w 2 lb 12) 20 Total (for 6 wickets, 98.1 overs) 272 Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-56, 3-85, 4-135, 5-139, 6-272.

Bowling: Gagandeep 23-6-49-0 Amit Uniyal 21-4-58-1 Ishan Malhotra 20.1-1-62-2 Amanpreet Singh 23-6-54-3 Rajesh Sharma 7-1-25-0 Dinesh Mongia 4-1-12-0 UNI XC HS DH RN1959