Punjab take 15-run lead over Baroda

Punjab took a vital 15-run first innings lead after scoring 237 in reply to Baroda's first innings total of 222 on the second day of the Ranji Trophy semi-final in Baroda on Thursday.

Resuming at the overnight score of 95 for loss of 4 wickets, the Punjab batsmen batted with grit to help their team reach a respectable total.

Baroda were 189 for loss of 8 in their second innings when stumps were drawn, with Ajit Bhoite and Valmiki Buch batting on 34 and 8 respectively.

Punjab speedster Amit Uniyal and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh ran through the Baroda batting line-up to enable their team take a firm grip over the match.

Uniyal claimed three wickets for 48 to restrict Baroda in their second innings despite a fighting 61 runs eighth-wicket partnership between Zaheer Khan and Ajit Bhoite.

Harbhajan grabbed two wickets, conceding 72 runs.

Except Baroda captain Jacob Martin and wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia, the other recognised batsmen, including Connor Williams, Sudeep Kale, Tushar Arothe and Atul Bedade, failed to boost the team's total.

Day 1 report
Baroda stage strong fightback