‘Tried to capitalise on all loose balls’

The left-handed Mulani and Mumbai leader Aditya Tare (69 batting) bailed their side out of trouble with a century partnership on the opening day. Mulani, who had performed well against Tamil Nadu in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 competition last year, said his strategy was to punish all the loose balls.

“I tried to capitalise on them. That was my plan. I had the confidence in my defence. I was more patient, not trying to do things way out of my reach. I tried to play on my strengths,” Mulani told reporters after his good knock. “I had a positive mindset while walking out to the middle. I hit all the balls which were delivered in my area,” he added.

The all-rounder put on 155 runs for the sixth wicket along with Tare after Mumbai was in a spot of bother in the post-lunch session. Although Mulani admitted he has not spent a lot of time with Tare in the middle, he remarked he shares a good understanding with the 32-year-old captain.

“I haven’t known him for a long time. However, we have that understanding as we were roommates for some time,” said Mulani. Having already made 284 runs with four wickets in hand, he felt the tourist is well-placed to score around 350 runs. “We have a couple of decent all-rounders still to come. Chances of getting there are good.”

Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore was one of the home side’s best bowlers, taking three wickets. Giving his thoughts after the first day’s play, the slow bowler said: “The first session was good. We could have been lot more patient and disciplined after the loss of five wickets. We let the innings drift away in the final session.”