SRM University, Tamil Nadu claimed three early wickets to put University of Mumbai under pressure, on an eventful opening day of their three-day final in the All India Inter Zonal Inter University Cricket Tournament for the Rohinton Baria Trophy at the Total-Vengsarkar Academy, Oval Maidan on Monday.

Put in to bat, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial University were bowled out for a modest 198 in 62 overs. But the visitors struck back with early blows as defending champions Mumbai were left at 55 for 3 at the end of the first day’s play.

Mumbai lost openers Viral Shah (14) and Chintan Shah (25) and were 20 for two, before SRM struck again just before close as Sujit Nayak was run out with the score on 49. Earlier, SRM recovered from 49 for 3 and 95 for 5 to reach a respectable 198, after spinner Vishal Dabholkar snared four for 39 and was assisted by medium pacer Balkrishna Shirke, who claimed three for 52, and Bhavesh Patel took two for 20 with his leg-breaks.

Ranji batsman K B Arun Karthick, who has been selected by Chennai Super Kings for the second edition of IPL, was the top scorer for his side with 58 runs off 63 balls that included one six and seven boundaries. K Shrivasudevdas scored 43 including nine boundaries, while C S Santosh remained unbeaten on 28.