NZ ride twin tons, disciplined bowling in big win over Pak

It's easy to tag the collapse at Karachi as one of those signature, recognisable quirks one must be ready to embrace if you are following Pakistan cricket.

- Somshuvra Laha

NAGPUR: Yash Rathod and Akshay Wadkar shared an unbroken 91-run stand as Vidarbha recovered from a mini collapse to lead by 260 runs against Mumbai at stumps on Day 3 of their Ranji Trophy semi-final on Wednesday.

After Vidarbha dismissed Mumbai for 270 to take a lead of 113 runs, the hosts found themselves in trouble after being reduced to 56/4, thanks to Shams Mulani's (2/50) two-wicket burst. However, Rathod (59) and Wadkar (31) steadied the ship, guiding Vidarbha to 147/4 in 53 overs.

Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur (1/14) gave them a glimmer of hope with an early breakthrough in the second over. Thakur removed Atharva Taide for a duck, trapping him in front with an inswinger. Danish Malewar (29), who scored a vital 79 in the first innings, looked in good touch, hitting five fours before Mulani dismissed him with a sharp return catch, leaving Vidarbha at 40/2.

Karun Nair (6), in scintillating form, joined opener Dhruv Shorey (13) at the crease, but Tanush Kotian (1/33) trapped Shorey leg-before. Nair was sent back by Mulani, as Vidarbha slumped to 56/4. Wadkar and Rathod then regrouped, building a steady partnership to bring Vidarbha back on track.

Earlier, Akash Anand completed his second first-class century and shared a 69-run stand with Tanush Kotian (33) to lead Mumbai's recovery after they ended the second day at 188/7.

In Ahmedabad, Gujarat's seasoned batter Priyank Panchal played a solid knock, remaining unbeaten on 117, as they reached 222/1 at stumps against Kerala. Trailing by 235 runs with two full days remaining, Gujarat's batting unit showed resilience and intent on a placid Motera surface, where it seemed Kerala found themselves 100 runs short, having scored at snail's pace.

Resuming their first innings at 418/7, Kerala added 39 more runs before being bowled out for 457.