Sports · Cricket · 1 hr ago
Ankit Bawne scores unbeaten century in Ranji Trophy season opener
Ankit Bawne scored an unbeaten 105 for Maharashtra against Services on the opening day of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season in Delhi.
It was his 25th first-class century, and Maharashtra ended the day at 287 for five.
The 33-year-old has played senior domestic cricket for nearly 20 years and scored 8,466 first-class runs before the new season.
But last season was difficult: he made 72 runs in seven matches, his lowest season total, and no longer captains Maharashtra.
He said the century mattered because he wanted to prove to himself that he still belonged at this level.
The result gives Maharashtra a strong start in a season when Bawne will need to keep performing to hold his place.
Ankit Bawne scored an unbeaten 105 for Maharashtra on the opening day of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.
His 25th first-class century helped Maharashtra reach 287 for five against Services.
The 33-year-old said he was driven to prove himself after scoring 72 runs in seven matches last season.
Prithvi Shaw also contributed, scoring 70.
- Who
- Ankit Bawne, batting for Maharashtra, scored an unbeaten century against Services.
- What
- He made 105, his 25th first-class century.
- When
- On the opening day of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.
- Where
- Air Force Cricket Ground in Palam, Delhi.
- Why
- Bawne said he wanted to prove to himself that he still belonged at this level after a difficult previous season.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Firstly, it’s a Ranji hundred, which is very special. This is my 25th hundred, so it’s even more special for me.
So there was a hunger in me to prove a point, not for the team or anyone else, but to prove a point to myself.
Every day you have to come and do well.
Bawne scored 72 runs in seven matches for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy.
Bawne scored an unbeaten 105 against Services as Maharashtra reached 287 for five.
- Bawne's score
- 105 not out
- First-class centuries
- 25
- Maharashtra's total
- 287 for five
- Prithvi Shaw's score
- 70
- Venue
- Air Force Cricket Ground, Palam, Delhi
- Previous season's runs
- 72 in seven matches
Sources
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