Ranji Trophy 2018-19, Elite A, Round 3, Day 1: Faiz Fazal, Wasim Jaffer’s unbeaten centuries power Vidarbha to 268/1 against Baroda

Jaffer, who failed to capitalise on his earlier starts, this time made amends registering his 54th first-class ton.

Baroda captain Kedar Devdhar tried as many as seven bowlers, but none succeeded to break the impending 255-run unbeaten partnership between Vidarbha captain Faiz Fazal (124*) and veteran batsman Wasim Jaffer (131*) to power the defending champions to 268/1 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy 2018-19 Round 3 Elite Group A match at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Tuesday.

Opting to bat, seventh-placed Vidarbha incurred the only casualty of the day with opener Sanjay Ramaswamy falling for 3 after he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Pinal Shah off left-arm pacer Lukman  Meriwala.

From thereon, it was the Fazal and Jaffer show. Fazal, who has registered his second century this season, blazed away to his 18^th first-class century, while the 40-year-old Jaffer, who failed to capitalise on his earlier starts, this time made amends registering his 54^th first-class ton.

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Fazal’s 285-ball knock was laced with 12 boundaries and two sixes, while Jaffer smashed 10 fours and two hits over the fence during his 241-ball 131* to give Vidarbha a firm footing in the match on day two.

The Baroda bowling attack failed to make inroads. Left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh, who snapped seven wickets in their previous match against Maharashtra, was economical in his 10 overs going for 39 runs, but remained wicketless.

Brief scores: Vidarbha 268/1 (Wasim Jaffer 131*, Faiz Fazal 124*) versus Baroda

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