Ranji Trophy: Rathod, Wadkar Lead Vidarbha Fightback Against Mumbai After Top-Order Wobble

An unbroken 91-run partnership between Yash Rathod (59 batting) and Akshay Wadkar (31 batting) helped Vidarbha recover from a dramatic top-order collapse as they ended Day 3 of their Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai at 147 for 4, extending their overall lead to 260 runs.

- AGENCIES

After being reduced to 56 for 4, Vidarbha looked in danger of squandering their first-innings advantage, but Rathod and Wadkar absorbed immense pressure to guide them to stumps unscathed.

Their partnership came against a Mumbai attack that had its tail up, especially with spinners Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian exploiting a surface showing increasing signs of variable bounce and turn.

Earlier, Mumbai's fightback was led by wicketkeeper-batter Akash Anand, who displayed remarkable resilience with a hard-fought 106 off 256 balls.

Resuming at 188 for 7, Mumbai's hopes rested on Anand, and he delivered by forging a crucial 69-run stand with Tanush Kotian (33) for the eighth wicket.

Anand, who had opened the innings and remained on the field throughout, was eventually dismissed as the ninth batter out.

His effort was instrumental in reducing Mumbai's deficit as they were bowled out for 270, conceding a 113-run first-innings lead to Vidarbha.

Left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade, who had rattled Mumbai on Day 2, returned to take the key wicket of Kotian before the lower order folded quickly.

With a significant lead, Vidarbha's second innings began on a disastrous note as Shardul Thakur struck second ball, removing Atharva Taide right before the tea break.