This is the best innings I have played: Punit Bisht

Vineet Ramakrishnan & Feroz Khan 

With Delhi taking on Baroda in the Ranji Trophy fixture at the Ferozshah Kotla, all eyes were on fast bowlers â�� Irfan Pathan and Ashish Nehra. One time regulars in the Indian squad, both are now eying a chance to book a place for the upcoming Australian tour. 

And they did not disappoint. Ashish Nehra, playing the Ranji season after years, grabbed six wickets to help restrict Baroda for 318 on Day two and Irfan Pathan answered back with a seven wicket haul. But the star of the match was neither Pathan nor Nehra, but Delhiâ��s 25-year elderly diminutive wicket keeper batsmen Punit Bisht who scored a amazing 223 not out to give Delhi a decisive lead. 

At finish of Day three, Baroda were looking down the barrel with 81 for four. At stumps, as Punit Bisht spoke to a small group of scribes, describing his double century as the best knock of his career so far. 

Punit�s earlier highest in first class cricket was 156 that came years back. Punit said that playing with the tail is hard and the No.7 position is a crucial. He said, �No.6 and No.7 is always a crucial position and everytime you do well in that position with the tailenders, it counts every time.�

â��This is the best hundred I have scoredâ��, said an elated Bisht. Delhi were reeling at 74 for five at Day two when Bisht walked in at No. 7 and along with captain Mithun Manhas and the tail compiled a gritty 223 off 290 deliveries which included 30 fours and sixes. â��Delhi havenâ��t had the best of seasons so far and this knock was definitely a needful for the team,â�� he further added. 

â��Irfan Pathan was the only actual threat and there were no issues dealing with the remainder of the bowling attackâ��, he further added. 

Pathan who completed with 7/114 with an economy of over four was also happy together with his performance. He said â��I am feeling at the top of my game at the moment. I can feel that my rhythm is coming back and I am concentrating on bowling well.â�� 

This was Pathan�s third 5-for in as plenty of matches this season. He currently has 19 wickets in his kitty.