Out-of-favour India opener Prithvi Shaw continued his return to form by cracking a brilliant century for Maharashtra against Mumbai in a Buchi Babu Invitational warm-up fixture. The three-day clash at the MCA Stadium in Pune served as vital match practice ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.
Shaw Makes a Statement With Match-Defining Innings
The 25-year-old made his presence felt with a composed hundred on the first day against Shardul Thakur’s Mumbai. Opening the innings alongside Arshin Kulkarni, Shaw reached the three-figure mark in 140 deliveries after settling in cautiously.
Although Shaw started patiently, Kulkarni played with aggression from the outset, unsettling Mumbai’s attack. Shaw completed his half-century in 84 balls and looked solid once he passed 70. Meanwhile, Kulkarni stormed to his century in just 95 deliveries.
Record Stand Puts Mumbai on the Backfoot
The duo produced a commanding 305-run opening partnership, dismantling a bowling unit featuring Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, and Shams Mulanand. Kulkarni came agonisingly close to a double century before falling for a breathtaking 186 off 139 balls.
Earlier this year, Shaw made the switch to Maharashtra after securing a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Mumbai. Since then, he has been among the runs in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, registering scores of 111, 1, and 66, showcasing his determination to reclaim a spot on the national radar.
Consistent Performances Highlight Shaw’s Return
Shaw began the tournament with a fighting 111 off 141 balls on a difficult surface, where the rest of Maharashtra’s lineup could manage just 92 runs against Chhattisgarh. However, in the second innings, he contributed only one run as Chhattisgarh clinched a 35-run win.
In another fixture against the TNCA President’s XI, Shaw again looked in excellent touch. Starting the day on 47, he brought up his half-century with a crisp backfoot punch and went on to share a 94-run stand with Harshal Kate. Maharashtra reached 155/2 before Shaw departed for 66 off 96 balls, dismissed by Achyuth C V.
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