Baroda sets up a rare attacking field against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy

The Group C Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Baroda ended in a draw but there was a moment which caught everyone’s attention. It was almost the fag end of the last day’s play when the Baroda skipper Deepak Hooda set up a close attacking field that saw nine close-in fielders. Baroda were in search for the remaining three wickets to seal a memorable victory against the hosts, who were playing their 500th Ranji Trophy match.

Siddesh Lad and Dhawal Kulkarni didn’t let any further hiccup, as they remained unbeaten. Lad played a match-saving knock of 71, which saw him send the ball to the fence on seven occasions. Kulkarni, on the other hand, faced eight balls for his 2 runs.

Mumbai holds on to a draw

Mumbai were skittled out for 171 in the first innings, something which didn’t happen in their last ten outings at home. Baroda’s bowling stats looked neat, as 21-year-old Atit Sheth and Makan-born Lukman Meriwala bagged five-wickets each to create the damage. It was only Atit’s eighth and Lukman’s third outing for Baroda in the Ranji Trophy, but their discipline with the ball looked seasoned.

“This season has been good. I have been taking wickets and scoring runs. This match, especially against Mumbai in Mumbai I wanted to do well in this game, and carry on the good season. They have good players in their ranks, so doing well against Mumbai gives you a good platform,” Atit told the ESPNcricinfo at the end of 1st day’s play.

“They have been in form, [Rahane] is a Test player. The plan was to not give their batsmen width as they like attacking. The ball was moving, it was a green wicket, and [I] wanted to take advantage of that. It had to be pitched up, because there was movement on offer from there.” he added.