Ashwin, Vidhyut restrict Baroda but TN slump in reply

Chennai, Jan 10 (UNI) Baroda failed to capitalise on the advantage of making the first use of the wicket being bowled out for 283 in their first innings, but hit back strongly as Tamil Nadu were off to a disastrous start losing two wickets for just 13 runs at stumps on the first day of the final Elite Group A match in the Ranji trophy championship here today.

It was high drama at the picturesque Guru Nanak College ground as Tamil Nadu, fighting to avoid relegation to the Plate Group, got on top of the Baroda batsmen with off-spinner R Ashwin (5-65) and left-arm spinner S Vidhyut (3-47) spinning a web around the Baroda batsmen. Captain Jacob Martin top-scored with 57 (115 balls, 127 minutes, nine fours).

India star Irfan Pathan failed to come good with the bat being stumped by Tamil Nadu and India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik when he missed the line of the ball stepping out to hit Ashwin.

However, his brother Yusuf Pathan struck form scoring 49 off 39 balls in 35 minutes with four fours and an equal number of sixes, batting at no four.

With Jacob, opener Connor Williams (29, 56 balls, five fours) and no 3 batsman Rakesh Solanki (49, 147 balls, six fours) saved the blushes for Baroda. With Rakesh, Jacob added 110 runs for the third wicket in 34.3 overs in the only substantial stand for Baroda.

More UNI