Kale's unbeaten 248 steers Maharashtra to a draw

Abhijit Vasant Kale's monumental unbeaten 248 helped Maharashtra earn an honourable draw against Baroda in their West Zone Ranji Trophy match at the Deccan Gymkhana in Pune on Thursday.

The final day indeed belonged to the 26-year-old Kale. He was unbeaten on 77 at stumps on the third day with Maharashtra, forced to follow on 180 runs behind, on 176 for three. But Kale received splendid support from tailender SV Aradhye and with Santanu Sugwekar, KD Aphale and SA Shah also playing valuable roles, Maharashtra batted almost the whole day before being all out for 449 in 135.5 overs.

In the morning, overnight not out batsmen Kale and Aphale took the total to 186 before the latter was out for 37. The fourth wicket stand had put on 89 runs off 35.4 overs. Then Shah (32) helped Kale add 49 runs for the fifth wicket off 11.4 overs. But the quick dismissals of SD Lande and Iqbal Siddiqui left Maharashtra facing defeat at 246 for seven. However Kale found able support in No 9 Aradhye. The two went on to add 198 runs for the eighth wicket 49.2 overs. Kale who already reached his century now proceeded calmly past his double hundred. By the time Aradhye was out for 58, compiled off 157 balls and inclusive of five hits to the ropes, the match was well and truly saved even though Maharashtra batted one short, being without their skipper and wicketkeeper SM Kondhalkar who could not bat after sustaining an injury in the first innings. Kale who had come in on Wednesday at the end of the first over with the score four for one, remained unconquered after batting 548 minutes. He faced 367 minutes and hit 32 fours and a six. In the remaining time Baroda were 34 for no loss in their second innings. Baroda got five points and Maharashtra three.