Ranji Trophy Final: Rajasthan in control against Baroda

VADODARA - Rajasthan took a crucial 33-run first innings lead before surviving a second innings collapse on the fourth day of the Ranji Trophy final against Baroda here Friday.

Rajasthan, who came from the plate division, are now in firm control of the match at the Motibagh Stadium. With just a day to go, the first innings lead will prove decisive if the match ends in a draw. Rajasthan has never won the trophy, having reached the final eight times in the past.

After dismissing Baroda for 361 in the first innings, Rajasthan, however, got off to a disastrous start in their second essay losing their openers Aakash Chopra (5) and Vineet Saxena for six runs. They were soon reduced to 11 for three after skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar (1) edged a catch to Connor Williams off Murtuja Vahora.

Rashmi Parida (78) and Ashok Maneria (83) then weaved an unbeaten 140-run stand for the fifth-wicket to steady the innings as Rajasthan ended the day at 201 for four in the second innings, with an overall lead of 234 runs. Rajasthan made 394 in the first innings.

Earlier, resuming at 324 for eight, the overnight Baroda pair of Sankalp Vohra (34 not out) and Vahora (36) stretched their ninth-wicket partnership to 68 before Deepak Chahar (4-79) and Madhur Khatri struck in quick succession to wrap up the hosts.

Vahora was caught at covers by Chopra off Chahar and three overs later, Chopra took another catch at first slip to get rid of Bhargav Bhatt (3) off Khatri.