Vidarbha regain control vs Mumbai

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.

- Agencies

NAGPUR:

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 and on top.

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.

Mohammed Azharuddeen remained unbeaten on 177 off 341 balls, his career-best knock featuring 20 fours and a six. His innings provided the backbone to Kerala's mammoth total as wickets tumbled around him.