Ranji Trophy: Devdhar puts Baroda ahead of Mumbai

Kedar Devdhar, an opener with a wide range of strokes, led Baroda's scoring with a superb knock of 145 off 235 balls with 16 fours.

Kedar Devdhar's knock set the pace for Baroda’s innings.

Mumbai and Baroda entered the decisive phase of their Ranji Trophy match at the Palam ground here on Saturday.

Resuming at 313 for eight, Mumbai ended the first innings at 323 this morning to take a lead of 18 runs. Baroda, batting with purpose and urgency, finished the day at 321 for five for an overall lead of 303 runs.

> SCORECARD

Can Baroda pull of a win against a strong batting line up would be of immense interest on a pitch that would offer challenge because of its wear and tear.

Kedar Devdhar, an opener with a wide range of strokes, led Baroda's scoring with a superb knock of 145 off 235 balls with 16 fours. His 177-run opening partner with Aditya Waghmode set the pace for Baroda’s innings. Waghmode cracked 66 off 155 balls with three fours. The good work was carried forward by Deepak Hooda who came up with an unbeaten 66 off 75 balls with six fours as Mumbai toiled to check the flow of runs.