Irfan takes five-for as Baroda are 6 runs short of win vs MP

Vadodara: Irfan Pathan claimed five wickets in a first class match after long time as hosts Baroda are only 6 runs away from an outright victory over Madhya Pradesh in an Elite Group match of the Ranji Trophy being played at the Motibagh ground.

Requiring 54 runs to win, Baroda were 48 for two at close of play after Madhya Pradesh scored 365 in their second essay courtesy Naman Ojha (94), Devendra Bundela (47) and Taduri Sudhindra (49). Irfan who bowled a controlled spell got the ball to swing as he grabbed five for 54 (his 15th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket). Three of his five wickets were caught by `keeper Pinal Shah which showed that he is getting the swing back. Baroda openers Aditya Waghmode (9) and Kedar Devhdar (20) were both dismissed thus robbing Baroda a chance to get bonus points. It was bad luck that wicketkeeper Ojha missed a well deserved century by only 6 runs. Ojha and Bundela added 104 runs for third wicket. Another notable partnership was for the eighth wicket where Ankit Sharma and Taduri Sudhindra added 77 runs. Brief Scores MP: 63 and 365 (Naman Ojha 94, Irfan Pathan 5/54). Baroda: 375 & 48/2. PTI