Published: Nov 10, 2015, 03:43 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 10, 2015, 03:43 AM (IST)
Valsad: Baroda seemed hapless against a supreme Gujarat showing as the visitors were staring down the barrel at 81 for four while following on in their Group B Ranji Trophy cricket encounter on Day 3. Replying to Gujarat’s mammoth first innings score of 505, Baroda were bundled for 252 with Irfan Pathan, who also bagged a six-wicket haul, top-scoring with 58. Skipper Ambati Rayudu also contributed with a gutsy 47. Made to follow-on, Baroda once again faltered in the final session with four of their top batsmen in the pavilion and the visitors still trailing by 172 runs to avoid an innings defeat. UPDATES: Gujarat vs Baroda, Ranji Trophy 2015-16, Group B match, Day 3
If Priyank Kirit Panchal’s 128 stood out in the Gujarat innings, then Akshar Patel’s all-round showing has also made it count for the Parthiv Patel-led side. Coming in at No.8, Akshar hit a fantastic 81 and has also bagged five wickets in the game so far. The left-arm spinner led the wickets tally with three scalps in the first innings and has also picked up two wickets till now in the second innings.
Gujarat are in a very commanding position at the moment and they will try to secure victory without having to bat again. Akshar was threatening on Day Three and he’s likely to be Baroda’s biggest threat in their attempt to try and secure a draw.
Brief Scores:
Baroda 252 (Ambati Rayudu 47, Irfan Pathan 58; Akshar Patel 3 for 81) and 81 for four (Kedar Devdhar 35; Akshar Patel 2 for 19) trail Gujarat 505 (Priyank Panchal 128, Akshar Patel 81; Irfan Pathan 6 for 47) by 172 runs.
