Ranji Trophy: Yuvraj shines as Punjab, Baroda play out a draw

With no possibility of forcing a victory in the benign conditions, Punjab was happy to bat on after the 393-run third-wicket partnership between Manan Vohra and Yuvraj, who had ruled out any miraculous recovery for Baroda.

Yuvraj Singh’s 370-ball knock that was studded with 26 fours and four sixes took Punjab to a total of 670 in response to Baroda’s 529.

A career-best knock of 260 by skipper Yuvraj Singh, who ensured Punjab a first innings lead against Baroda, was the highlight as the Ranji Trophy Group 'A' match between the two sides was drawn at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground here on Sunday.

>Scorecard

Yuvraj’s 370-ball knock that was studded with 26 fours and four sixes took Punjab to a total of 670 in response to Baroda’s 529. The34-year-old Yuvraj had a previous best of 209. With no possibility of forcing a victory in the benign conditions, Punjab was happy to bat on after the 393-run third-wicket partnership between Manan Vohra, who was bowled by Murtuja Vaohra for 224, and Yuvraj had ruled out any miraculous recovery for Baroda.

Gurkeerat Mann also scored a half century and put on 116 for the fourth wicket with Yuvraj to take Punjab past Baroda, which eventually ensured the team three points from the draw. It was the second draw apart from a win for Punjab in four matches, and took its tally to 10 points.

Baroda languishing at the bottom of the table in the group managed to take its third point from its third match.

Left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh and off-spinner Vishnu Solanki took seven wickets between them to bring an end to Baroda’s agony on the field, spread over 184 overs.

For his unbeaten 293 in the first innings for Baroda, Deepak Hooda was adjudged the ‘man of the match’ by referee Prasant Kumar Mohapatra.