Unbeaten century by Nayan Mongia

An unbeaten 137 by former India wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia enabled Baroda to reach a commanding 319 for two by close on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Orissa, at the GSFC ground, in Baroda, on Thursday.

Mongia's unbeaten 54-run third wicket partnership with captain Jacob Martin gave the hosts hope of amassing a huge total when they resume their first innings on Friday.

Electing to bat, Baroda openers Satyajit Parab and Connors Williams began well and put together 154 runs. But Williams's departure brought down the tempo of scoring.

Mongia, who used to bat at number six, was elevated, and he played cautiously along with Parab. But Parab followed Williams as the second wicket fell at 265. Then Baroda captain Martin joined Mongia and added 54 runs for the unfinished third wicket.

Poor fielding, lack of effective bowling and dropping of catches proved costly for Orissa. Martin was dropped twice and he took the advantage and remained unbeaten at 70 at close of the play.

Mongia's knock of 137 contained 19 fours and one six. Medium pacer Mohanty and off spinner Sathpathy captured one wicket each.

Mail Cricket Editor