Mumbai, Mar 25: Ambati Rayudu batted Baroda to victory with a gutsy 56-ball 66 on a bowler-friendly track in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarter-final against Bengal. Baroda will take on Delhi in the first semi-final at the Bandra Kurla Complex tomorrow.

Excerpts from Rayudu’s brief interaction with the press after the match:

On his innings

There was a lot of help for the bowlers from the wicket so it felt good. It always feels good playing a quality knock in difficult conditions [...]

On the wicket

There was a lot of moisture [...] It was 80-20 [in favour] of the bowlers.

On whether Baroda were lucky to win the toss and bowl first

Not really, because they had enough help even when bowling second. In fact, I think they had more help bowling second because it was a drying wicket and a lot quicker than in the morning.

On the wicket as compared to how it played during the one-dayers

Even in the one-dayers we got Maharashtra out for 120 [-odd runs].

On whether this tournament was good warm up before the IPL

It is not like that. It is a very serious and very important tournament playing for Baroda. One can’t call it a warm up.

On the semi-final against Delhi tomorrow

We are definitely happy that we have qualified for the semi-finals. I think Yusuf [Pathan] might come back tomorrow so it will add to our team.

On his domestic season and his prospects for India

I have had a very good Ranji Trophy season playing in difficult conditions. One-dayers were also okay. I feel I am batting really well and hopefully I will improve a lot [...] I am happy playing for Baroda and hopefully if I do well, it might happen.