Nashik, Jan 23 (UNI) Maharashtra were 258 for 7 against Baroda at the end of the first day of the four-day Ranji Trophy cricket match being played here on Thursday with wicketkeeper Saurabh Navale unbeaten on 60 runs.
Maharashtra, who were allowed to bat first, did not get off to a good start. The opening pair of Pawan Shah and Murtuza Trunkwala returned to the tent in the 12th over itself with score on board 41 for 2, as Shah was out 12 and Trunkwala on 22.
Then, in the 19th over, Baroda dealt another big blow to the host team by dismissing captain Rituraj Gaikwad for 10 runs.
However, Siddhesh Veer and Yash Kshirsagar recovered the innings by putting on a partnership of 68 runs. Veer was dismissed for 48 runs and then Kshirsagar for 30.
After that, wicketkeeper Saurabh Navale and Ramakrishna Ghosh steadied the innings as they made a partnership of 68 runs. Ghosh, who struck the first six of the innings, was dismissed for 26 runs while hitting a second high hit to visitors’ captain Krunal Pandya – 213 for 7.
With the strong half-century by wicketkeeper Navale at 60 not out with eight fours, Maharashtra reached 258 for 7 at the end of the first day.
Navale is being supported by Rajneesh Gurbani on 22 not out.
Baroda’s Atit Seth claimed three wickets, Raj Limbani took two wickets and Krunal Pandya along with Mahesh Pithiia took one wicket each.
Earlier in the morning, a small ceremony was held to inaugurate the match by releasing colourful balloons in the sky.
On this occasion, Maharashtra Cricket Association President Rohit Pawar, Secretary Kamlesh Pisal, CEO Ajinkya Joshi, office-bearers Atul Jain, Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam, District Collector Jalaj Sharma, MP Rajbhau Waje, MLAs Devyani Farande, Seema Hire and Rahul Dhikle were present.
