Baroda squeak past Railways on first innings

Baroda's last wicket pair of Rashid Patel and Valmik Buch helped their side past Railways' first innings total of 506 on the final day of their Super League encounter at Delhi's Karnail Singh Stadium today. The draw meant that Baroda maintain their position at the top of the table in Group B with 13 points from two matches while Railways had to be content with 3 points in their pipe opener.

It was a commendable fightback by the Baroda batsmen after resuming at 241/3. Although HR Jadhav duly completed his century (109 in 234 balls, 9 fours, 1 six), he was fourth out at 280. M Mewada (37) and Atul Bedade (51) put on 77 for the 5th wicket before they both fell in the space of seven balls to make it 358/6. Skipper Tushar Arothe (41) and AP Bhoite (52) then proceeded to revive Baroda's hopes with an 81 run 7th wicket stand. After Arothe's loss, Bhoite and Patel (53 not out) carried the score to 495/7 before a double strike in three balls by part time bowler Yere Goud had Baroda reeling. But Patel and Buch rose to the occasion and nursed Baroda to the vital first innings lead. Baroda was 516/9 when play was called off four overs early.

Baroda now take on Punjab at Mohali while Railways play Bihar at Jamshedpur, both from February 24-27.