Kunal Marathe struck a fine 110 and shared a 112-run opening stand with Niranjan Godbole as Maharashtra reached 328 for four in the first innings against Baroda's 446 on the third day of their Elite Group B Ranji Trophy cricket match in Pune on Thrusday.
Resuming at overnight score of 72 for no loss, both Godbole (53) and Marathe ensured that Maharashtra stayed on course to overhaul Baroda's first innings score.
Godbole and Marathe showed a sense of purpose in the morning when play began and negotiated the new ball without much difficulty.
Godbole's knock, coming in 239 minutes off 159 balls, included eight hits to the fence while Marathe's 110, his maiden century, contained 12 fours and came in 519 minutes off 356 balls.
Dhruv Mohan made an unbeaten 87 (13x4) after the hosts lost their captain Hrishikesh Kanitkar (28) and Kaushik Aphale (10) cheaply.
For Baroda, Rajesh Pawar was the most successful bowler with two wickets, giving away 52 runs from 26 overs.
At stumps, Dhruv Mohan was not out on 87 and Ranjit Khirid on one.
Brief scores: Baroda (1st innings): 446; Maharashtra (1st innings): 328 for 4 (Dhruv Mohan 87 n.o. and Ranjit Khirid 1 n.o; Rajesh Pawar 2 for 52).