Vadodara hold edge over Karnataka

Vadodara, Nov 22 (UNI) Host Vadodara look formidable and start as favourites in their opening Ranji Trophy elite 'Group A' league match against Karnataka, to be played at the Motibaugh Palace ground here tomorrow.

Vadodara hold the edge over Karnataka despite the absence of injured opener Satyajit Parab.

Last year's semi-finalists Vadodara enjoying home ground advantage are going to take on Yere Goud-led Karnataka side after a gap of six years.

However, both Karnataka coach Venkatesh Prasad and captain Yere Goud, who returned to the side this year after serving the Railways team for 13 long years, hope for a good contest tomorrow.

On paper the hosts being led by middle order Jacob Martin seem to be holding the edge over their opponents in both batting and bowling.

Vadodara which suffered an unexpected loss to Bengal in the last Ranji semi-finals hope to ride on the brilliance of Connor Williams, wicket keeper Pinal Shah, Rishikesh Parab, Kiran Pawar and the new-found batting sensation Irshad Sindhi.

Even as Vadodara suffered a big blow with Zaheer Khan switching over to Mumbai Ranji team this season, the side is capable of putting a tough fight with a strong battery of pace and seam bowlers. Rakesh Patel, Irfan Pathan Sr, Rajesh Pawar and Yousuf Pathan, the elder brother of India's strike bowler Irfan Pathan.

On the other hand Karnataka which has got a number of aspiring youngsters in its squad will be looking to its openers Robin Utthappa and Rowland Barrington besides wicket keeper Goud and all rounder B Akhil to pile up a good total on the board. For bowling the side will largely depend on NC Aiyappa, Vinay Kumar and C Raghu.

Both the team captains had a strenuous practice session at the Motibaugh ground on the eve of the match alongwith their boys.

The two sides are happy that the wicket seems seamer friendly.

Teams: Vadodara(from): Jacob Martin (Captain); Connor Williams; Rishikesh Parab; Irshad Sindhi; kiran Powar; Shatrunjay Gaekwad; Pinal Shah(wkeeper);Yousuf Pathan; Ajit Bhoite; Rajesh Pawar; Rakesh Patel; Murtuja Vahora; Irfan Pathan Sr; Vishwanath Parmar and Ketan Panchal.

Karnataka(from) Yere Goud(captain); Robin Utthappa; Rowland Barrington; Bharat Chipli; C Raghu; BS Thilak Naidu(wkeeper); B Akhil; Sunil Joshi; NC Aiyappa; Udit Patel; Vinay Kumar; Stewart Binnoy; Devraj Patil; KP Appanna and Deepak Chougule.

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