Vadodara take 77-run lead against Maharashtra

Vadodara, Nov 30 (UNI) Vadodara took a 77-run first innings lead against Maharashtra, aided by the batting brilliance of Pathan brothers--Yusuf (58) and Irfan (51) and keeper Pinal Shah (56) on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Super League match played at the Motibaug Palace Ground here today.

Replying to the visitors' 228, Vadodara who resumed at the overnight score of 88 for 3, piled up 305 with three valuable half centuries and a fine 43 by all-rounder Rajesh Pawar.

After Vadodara's innings folded up seven minutes after tea, light drizzle and and bad light forced umpires to call off the day's play after 50 minutes adjournment.

Playing with its full-strength with the return of the Pathan brothers and speedster Munaf Patel to the team, the hosts, who need to score outright wins in their remaining three matches, would have ammased a big total, but for the brilliant spell of pace by Samad Fallah. The Maharashtra left-arm seamer virtually helped his side restrict Vadodara's lead with a superb five-wicket haul for 105 runs. His victims included skipper-opener Connor Williams (0), Rakesh Solanki (2), Azhar Bilakhia (48), Irfan Pathan (51) and Salim Veragi (40).

Nearly 30 minutes after resumption of play today, Vadodara lost both their overnight bastmen--Yusuf and Azhar at the score of 130 after the duo produced 106 off 118 balls in their fourth wicket partnership. In-form Yusuf was unfortunate to make his exit at 58 (53b, 10x4) as he was run out after he slipped trying to steal a single off medium pacer Moondeep Mangela (2/87).

Irfan, who had settled down for a big score, also left soon after scoring his half century being brilliantly caught at slip by Harshad Khandiwale off the bowling of Fallah. In association with keeper Pinal for the six wicket, Irfan who hit 11 boundaries in his 51 off 68 balls, added 77 runs.

Vadodara who were 280 for 7 at one stage, crashed to 305 all out in a span of six overs.

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