New Delhi: Several Mumbai players were forced to wear masks while fielding in the Ranji Trophy clash against Delhi at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on January 29.
India and Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, his younger brother Musheer Khan and spin bowler Himanshu Singh were seen taking precaution after the pollution level spiked around the stadium. This happened due to the continuous construction activity, which made the air unhealthy, prompting players to wear masks.
The conditions around the venue affected both sides, with visibility and air quality becoming talking points throughout the opening day. The AQI (air quality index) was around 160, with the conditions being “unhealthy” on Thursday. The three Mumbai players wore masks for around half-an-hour before taking them off as the match progressed.
“There wasn’t any banter (about it), but new (building) construction work is being carried out here and because of that the players were feeling the pollution and having issues in breathing, so they put those on,” said Mumbai pacer Mohit Avasthi as quoted by the PTI.
Avasthi shines as Mumbai restrict Delhi to 221/10
Despite the tough conditions, Mumbai delivered a strong bowling performance to bowl Delhi out for 221 on Day 1. Sanat Sangwan played a brilliant knock, smashing 118 runs off 218 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and two maximums, but the rest of the batters struggled to score runs.
Avasthi starred with the ball, taking a five-wicket haul for Delhi. He changed the match after lunch and picked up three wickets. Tushar Deshpande and Shams Mulani also took two wickets each. Sangwan forged a 100-run partnership for the second wicket with Vaibhav Kandpal (32), helping Delhi to recover from an early setback.
Mumbai were 13/1 in reply at stumps on the opening day, with Divij Mehra removing Akash Anand for 4. The hosts trail by 208 runs heading into the second day.