Eyeing a semifinal berth, former champions Mumbai will look to sustain their recent fine run when they meet arch-rivals Maharashtra in their last Ranji Trophy Super League Group 'B' match in Nasik on Wednesday.
Both Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan were earlier expected to turn out for Mumbai but have pulled out due to injury and personal reasons in what is a crucial tie for the domestic giants.
However, another member of the Indian squad in the South Africa tour, opener Wasim Jaffer will be available for Mumbai, who recorded comprehensive wins in their last two matches against Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Mumbai have currently 10 points and would be keen to add to their tally by gaining maximum points against Maharashtra, (seven points), who will be missing the services of paceman, Munaf Patel, out due to injury.
Maharashtra, captained by former Test player Sairaj Bahutule while Amol Muzumdar will lead Mumbai.
Both Praveen Amre, the coach, and Muzumdar expressed confidence ahead of the match saying the team would play positive cricket.
"We will play positive cricket. Turf Golf Grounds is good and we have good players like Ajit Agarkar, Ramesh Powar, Nilesh Kulkarni, Swapnil Hazare, Sahil Kukreja, Sameer Marathe and others," Muzumdar said.
Maharashtra coach Chandrakant Pandit had similar sentiments to share when he said, "We are counting on players like Harshad Khadiwale, Dheeraj Jadhav, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, S Sriram, Mansingh Nigde, Sairaj Bahututle.
"Sriram is in good form. He made a century against Gujarat here. Khadiwale also played steadily. Our bowlers like Anupam Sanklecha, Suyash Burkul, Sairaj Bahutule are good."
Sudhakar Bhalekar chief of security on the grounds, said that considering the expected rush for the match security has been beefed up as a precautionary measure.
