"We just want to carry the momentum", Mumbai's Shams Mulani ahead of the Chhatisgarh clash

Shams Mulani

Hosts Chhattisgarh will face a stern test when they meet table-topper Mumbai (27 points) in their Elite Group ‘B' Ranji Trophy match in Raipur today.

Though Mumbai will miss rested all-rounder Shivam Dube, the 41-time champions' bowling attack will be boosted by ace spinner Shams Mulani and pacers Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande.

Mulani, who claimed seven wickets (2 and 5) in his maiden India ‘A' game in which the hosts beat England Lions by 134 runs in Ahmedabad last week, said Mumbai are eyeing another big win.

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Except the loss to Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai registered outright wins against Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Bengal this season.

"We will definitely try to secure an outright win against Chhattisgarh, because we play to win. We never play to draw a game. Our bowling attack has got a big boost with Shardul and Tushar back in the side. We just want to carry the momentum," Mulani told mid-day on Thursday.

Chhattisgarh, who are led by Amandeep Khare, began their campaign on a winning note when they beat Assam by 10 wickets in Raipur last month. However, they have only 12 points from five games.

Former Mumbai wicketkeeper-batsman Eknath Kerkar, who scored an unbeaten 118 against Kerala in the last game, said he is excited to perform well.

"Mumbai are a good team, especially their bowlers, so it will be a good challenge. But I am not going into the game thinking I will be playing against Mumbai for whom I played earlier. I have the confidence since I scored a century in the last game. I am excited. Whoever plays well, will win," remarked Kerkar.