Vizianagaram: Baroda opener Kedar Devdhar hit a patient 97 to help the visitors post 234 for seven at stumps on Day 1 of the Group B Ranji Trophy cricket encounter against Andhra Pradesh here on Thursday.
Put into bat, Baroda rode on Devdhar's 12th first-class half-century to counter a disciplined Andhra attack. Devdhar near-miss ton was backed up by Ketan Panchal's 26, while Swapnil Singh (45 not out) and Pinal Shah (22 not out) still fight on.
Left-arm medium Cheepurapalli Stephen led the bowling attack with his four wicket haul as pace spearhead Paidikalva Vijaykumar and Siva Kumar picked up a wicket each.
Stephen was also involved in a crucial run out of Deepak Hooda (0) for the Mohammed Kaif-led side as they kept the opposition run-rate down to 2.75 through the day.
Brief Scores:
Baroda 234/7 in 85 overs (Kedar Devdhar 97; Swapnil Singh 45 not out; Cheepurapalli Stephen 4-57).