Delhi draw against Baroda, get three points

Vadodara: Delhi failed to force a win after asking Baroda to follow on and had to be content with three points from the drawn match on the basis of their first innings lead on the fourth and final day of their Ranji Trophy Super League Group B tie here today.

Delhi removed the last two Baroda batsmen – Ajitesh Argal (8) and Rajesh Pawar (45) -- within seven overs early in the morning to dismiss the hosts for 326 in reply to the visitors` mammoth 591 to raise hopes of a win at the Moti Bagh Stadium.

But Azhar Bilakhia (91) and Rakesh Solanki (69 not out) saved Baroda the humiliation and the home team scored 233 for four after 66 overs on the final day.

Delhi got three points by virtue of their first innings lead while Baroda had to be content with just one point.

Bilakhia, who made just five in the first innings, played the sheet anchor for Baroda today. He first steadied the Baroda innings with a 70-run partnership with opener Satyajit Parab for the second wicket after other opener Connor Williams fell for four with the team score reading 12.

Bilakhia, who hit 10 boundaries during his 140-ball knock, later shared a 120-run stand for the fourth wicket with Solanki before he was the last man out.

Solanki, who made 55 in the the first innings, hit eight fours and a six from the 125 deliveries he faced in the second innings.

Yusuf Pathan was the other unbeaten batsman on five.

For Delhi, Pradeep Sangwan scalped two Baroda wickets for 42 runs while Sumit Narwal and Dharshan Kanjania took a wicket apiece.

Delhi play Karnataka at home in their next Group B fixture from November 10 while Baroda take on Bengal in Kolkata.

Bureau Report