Solanki guides Baroda to 273 for 3 against Delhi

New Delhi: Rakesh Solanki rescued Baroda from a topsy-turvy start with an unbeaten hundred as the visitors took the day one honours by reaching 273 for three against Delhi in their Ranji Trophy Elite (Group B) match on Tuesday.

Electing to bowl after winning the toss, Delhi bowlers struck early when debutant Sunny Sherawat and veteran Ashish Nehra dismissed openers Kedar Devdhar (22) and Aditya Waghmode (1), respectively to leave Baroda struggling at 31 for two after eight overs. It seemed that Mithun Manhas` decision to field had worked but Solanki (109) rebuilt the Baroda innings by first stitching together an 88-run third-wicket partnership with Ambati Rayudu (39) before an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 154 with Pinal Shah (83). In his 362-minute stay at the wicket on Tuesday, Solanki faced 245 deliveries, striking 15 fours in a patient knock. He was ably supported by both Rayudu and Shah. While Rayudu`s 72-ball knock included eight fours, Shah matched Solanki`s fours` count in his 166-ball innings so far. For Delhi, Nehra got just a wicket in 18 overs after conceding 84 runs. Rajat Bhatia was the most economical Delhi bowler with figures of one for 17 in his 12 overs, which included seven maidens. In fact, Bhatia got Delhi a crucial breakthrough when he had Rayudu caught by Shikhar Dhawan with Baroda at 119 for 3 but the hosts failed to capitalise as Solanki and Shah got together to steady the visiting side`s innings. At stumps, Solanki was unbeaten on 109 while Pinal Shah was batting on 83. Brief Scores: Baroda 1st Innings: 273/3 in 85 overs (Rakesh Solanki batting 109, Pinal Shah batting 83; Rajat Bhatia 1/17). PTI