Williams, Parab in unbeaten double century opening stand

After conceding a first innings lead of 134 runs, Baroda made a dream start in the second innings running up 236 without loss by stumps on the third day of their West Zone Ranji Trophy league match at Baroda on Sunday. Openers Connor Williams and Satyajit Parab both hit centuries.

Resuming at 320 for seven, Maharashtra did well in ending up with 407. Abhijit Kale, 158 overnight, was last out for 222. In a stay of 393 minutes, Kale faced 272 balls and hit 25 fours. With last man S Shaikh (12 not out), Kale figured in a partnership of 68 runs off 14.2 overs. NV Buch was the most successful bowler with four for 113.

In the Baroda second innings, Williams and Parab maintained a good run rate and remained unbeaten at stumps. Both batted five hours. While the 27-year-old left handed Williams faced 192 balls for 115 and hit 13 fours, the 26-year-old right handed Parab faced 225 balls for his 116 and hit 14 fours. The partnership, off 69 overs, gave Baroda a lead of 102 runs. Eight bowlers were tried but none could break the stand.