Maharashtra in trouble against Baroda

Despite a gallant unbeaten 77 by opener SS Bhave, Maharashtra were in all sorts of trouble at stumps on the second day of their West Zone Ranji Trophy league match against Baroda at the Deccan Gymkhana ground in Pune on Tuesday. Replying to Baroda's first innings total of 393, the home team were 134 for six at close of play.

Resuming at 309 for seven, Baroda lost two quick wickets but then the innings got an unexpected bonus in the form of a partnership of 74 runs in 97 minutes off 22 overs between No 10 RB Patel (26 not out) and No 11 Z Khan (48). The former faced 53 balls and hit four of them to the ropes while the more aggressive Khan faced 81 balls and hit seven fours and a six.

Maharashtra started off well with Bhave and DS Jadhav (16) putting on 56 runs for the first wicket off 33.2 overs. But then wickets fell at regular intervals. Bhave however stood firm amidst the ruins and by close of play had batted about 4-1/2 hours, faced 180 balls and hit eleven fours.