Kambli fashions Mumbai's triumph

Vinod Kambli's masterly, unbeaten century and his 132-run partnership with Wasim Jaffer helped Mumbai beat Baroda by six wickets and win the Ranji Trophy one-day West Zone league, at the MIG ground, in Mumbai, on Thursday.

Put in to bat, Baroda scored 318 runs for eight in their allotted quota of 50 overs.

Opener Connor Williams top-scored with 93 runs (12 fours) while Atul Bedade (77) and Ajit Bhoite (61 not out) contributed well in the middle to enable their team put a big total.

For Mumbai, Sairaj Bahutule claimed three wickets for 42 runs while Ajit Agarkar chipped in with two wickets.

But it was Kambli's blistering knock which was the highlight of the day. The India discard batted with ease and remained not out on 149, which included 13 fours and six towering sixes in his 210-minute stay at the crease.

He was also instrumental in registering a useful 132-run partnership with opener Jaffer (68) after the hosts lost an early wicket in form of Robin Morris, when the scoreboard read just seven runs.

Amol Mujumdar (53) also played well to see Mumbai through.

For Baroda, their bowlers were not able to bowl a good line and they ended up being expensive. Irfan Pathan (Sr), Irfan Pathan (Jr), Ajit Bhoite and Valmik Buch claimed a wicket each.

Mail Cricket Editor