Chennai: Former champions Baroda has made a modest 237 for six at close on the opening day of its four-day Elite 'B' Group Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu on Sunday at Gurunanak College. Electing to bat first, Baroda openers laid the foundation making 70 runs in 29.1 overs before debutant off spinner Dhandapani scalped Connor Williams being caught by wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik, who also made his debut for the state. Williams and Satyajit Parab were coasting towards a big partnership and did not face difficulty against the hosts' pace attack of M R Srinivas, Gokulakrishnan and Suresh. However, Williams stepping out to drive Dhandapani snicked to the keeper. He made 31 with the help of four fours. Soon, Parab also made his exit being run out for 61. Baroda lost two quick wickets with addition of just 29 runs to another debutant and leg spinner B Karthikeyan. Ajit Bhoite (9) was caught by Dinesh Karthik and Tushar Arothe was holed out to Dhandapani for nine. Later, Rakesh Solanki, who came in at the fall of William and Atual Bedade put on 35 runs for the fifth wicket in just five overs before the former was back in the pavilion. He was caught at slips by Sadagopan Ramesh of medium pacer Srinivas for 33. Bedade, who duly reached his 50 mark, also made his exit when he was caught at covers by Sharath of captain Suresh. At close, former Indian wicket-keeper, Nyan Mongia (23) and medium pacer Irfan Pathan Jr (10) were at the close.

Tags: cricket, chennai, baroda, elite 'b' group ranji trophy, tamil nadu, gurunanak college, dhandapani, connor williams, dinesh karthik, satyajit parab, m r srinivas, gokulakrishnan, suresh, b karthikeyan, ajit bhoite, dinesh karthik, tushar arothe, rakesh solanki, atual bedade, sadagopan ramesh, sharath, nyan mongia, irfan pathan.