Kedar Devdhar's century takes Baroda to 344/3 against Punjab

Vadodara: Opening batsman Kedar Devdhar struck a brilliant 186 to help Baroda reach to a comfortable 344 for 3 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy cricket match against Punjab here today.

Devdhar, who had missed out on a century twice this season, hit 28 fours and a six in his 249-ball knock and shared a whopping 245 runs off 352 balls with Aditya Waghmode (96) for the opening wicket to take the home side to a strong position at the Moti Bagh Stadium.

Punjab captain Harbhajan Singh's decision to bowl first backfired as the visiting team bowlers leaked runs. Harbhajan himself was wicketless from the 16 overs he bowled today.

Devdhar looked like he would last a full day's play but he was dismissed by seamer Deepak Bansal just a few minutes before the draw of stumps.

Hardik Pandya (42) and Swapnil Singh (0) were batting at close of play.

Gurkeerat Singh, who spent a day with the Indian Test side in Bangalore as their 17th man before being released to play in the Ranji Trophy, took a wicket. Yuvraj Singh also took one wicket while conceding 32 runs.

Brief Scores:

Baroda 1st Innings: 344 for 3 in 90 overs (Kedar Devdhar 186, Aditya Waghmode 96; Yuvraj Singh 1/32).