Akhilesh Das stadium to host maiden Ranji Trophy

Lucknow, Nov 30 (UNI) The newly build Akhilesh Das stadium here will host the maiden Ranji Trophy tie between hosts Uttar Pradesh and Baroda from tomorrow.

Both teams have had net practice in the city for the Elite Group 'B' this morning for the crucial tie. Baroda coach Paras Mhambrey, a former Team India player, told media today that, ''we performed well in both the previous matches and were top on the table with nine points, which included a bonus point with resounding victory against runners-up Bengal in their opening Ranji tie thrashing them by an inning and 59 runs.'' Mhambrey observed, ''their main strength are the Pathan brothers and leg spinner Rajesh Pawar, who performed extremly well. The wicket here was slow and we have an edge over hosts due to better bowling department.'' He, however, admitted that UP's batting line-up is better.

The ex-India player said the toss would be crucial and the team batting first would benefit.

Praising the junior Pathan for his abilities with the ball, Mhambrey said he performed well in the previous matches and would be able to swing the ball claverly here too.

On the playing conditions he said it would be difficult to bowl 90 overs a day due to dew and foggie conditions over the ground.

He was not satisfied with the facilities provided by the organisers '' After all it would be a first class match not a club level tie''.

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