CHENNAI, Sept 18: Sachin Tendulkar served New Zealand a warning ahead of next month’s Test series, marking his return from injury with a fighting 94 in India’s premier domestic five-day match on Thursday.

The 30-year-old, back in action after hand surgery in April, struck 14 fours in his 197-ball knock to help national champions Mumbai reach from 98 for five to a respectable 272 for nine on the first day against Rest of India in the annual Irani Cup.

Skipper Tendulkar shared in a 149-run sixth-wicket stand with Sairaj Bahutule (58) after Test left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan had sparked a middle-order collapse with a three-wicket burst.

Zaheer, who grabbed five for 74, had Nishit Shetty caught at cover for five, trapped Vinod Kambli (two) lbw and then had Ajit Agarkar (naught) edge an outswinger to wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel.

But Tendulkar and Bahutule reversed the tide after lunch, resolutely digging in on a green wicket where batting was tough.

Tendulkar looked set for his 56th first-class century but missed out edging Zaheer to stand-in keeper Rahul Dravid.

New Zealand play a two-Test series in India next month, followed by a triangular one-day series also involving Australia.

Brief scores:

MUMBAI 272-9 (S.R. Tendulkar 94, S.V. Bahutule 58; Zaheer Khan 5-74) v REST OF INDIA.—Reuters