CHANGES in the rule of deciding the Ranji Trophy quarter-finalists from this season have brought smiles on quite a few faces in the Mumbai squad.

As per the new rule implemented to make things fair for the two Plate teams pitted against six teams from the Super Division, Mumbai will now face Haryana from December 24.

If last year's rule was applied, Mumbai would have played fancied Uttar Pradesh after the defending champions finished third in their group while UP, who have ben runners up in the last two editions, were second in theirs.


Sushant Marathe was in good form against Gujarat.
PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

"I don't exactly know how the quarters have been decided but it's good to know that we will be playing Haryana," said Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer after their final group match against Gujarat ended in a draw yesterday.

"This is not to say that Haryana can be easily beaten and it will be a tough match but we are happy to play Haryana," Jaffer added, giving enough hints that the team was more than happy to avoid facing a team like UP in the quarters.

Jaffer will also be happy with the way opener Sushant Marathe came good in the game against Gujarat, scoring 144 and 81.

Lack of partnerships at the top of the order has been a major factor in Mumbai's struggle in the competition this season.

"It's good that finally we have managed to get a partnership from the openers. Sushant was under pressure as he was making a comeback and batted well in both innings. Let's hope he can continue from here on and score in the coming matches as well," Jaffer said.