Ranji Trophy: Rathod and Wadkar Steer Vidarbha After Early Setback
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Synopsis
In the Ranji Trophy semi-final, Vidarbha's Yash Rathod and Akshay Wadkar formed a strong partnership after a top-order collapse, finishing Day 3 at 147 for 4 and leading by 260 runs against Mumbai. Rathod scored an unbeaten 59, while Wadkar contributed 31. Mumbai's Akash Anand made a notable 106.
Key Takeaways
- Yash Rathod scored 59* and Akshay Wadkar 31*.
- Vidarbha recovered from 56 for 4.
- Akash Anand made a significant 106 for Mumbai.
- Vidarbha leads by 260 runs.
- Shams Mulani claimed 2 wickets.
Nagpur, Feb 19 (NationPress) A remarkable unbroken partnership of 91 runs between Yash Rathod (59*) and Akshay Wadkar (31*) enabled Vidarbha to bounce back from a severe top-order setback as they concluded Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai with a score of 147 for 4, boosting their overall lead to 260 runs.
After facing a daunting situation at 56 for 4, Vidarbha seemed on the brink of losing their first-innings advantage, yet Rathod and Wadkar weathered the pressure effectively to finish the day unscathed. Their partnership unfolded against a spirited Mumbai bowling attack, particularly with spinners Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian taking advantage of a pitch exhibiting increasing variable bounce and turn.
Earlier, Mumbai's resurgence was spearheaded by wicketkeeper-batter Akash Anand, who showcased incredible determination with a well-earned 106 off 256 balls. Resuming at 188 for 7, Anand's performance was crucial as he built a significant 69-run partnership with Tanush Kotian (33) for the eighth wicket.
Having opened the innings and played through, Anand was eventually dismissed as the ninth batter. His contribution was vital in narrowing Mumbai's deficit, which resulted in their being bowled out for 270, yielding a 113-run first-innings lead to Vidarbha. Left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade, who had disrupted Mumbai on Day 2, took the critical wicket of Kotian before the lower order crumbled.
With a substantial lead, Vidarbha's second innings commenced poorly as Shardul Thakur struck with his second delivery, dismissing Atharva Taide right before the tea break. Danish Malewar (29) provided some momentum but fell victim to Mulani, returning one back while attempting a flick against the spin.
Vidarbha faced further challenges when Karun Nair and Dhruv Shorey were dismissed in quick succession, both trapped lbw—Nair to Mulani and Shorey to Kotian—as the Mumbai spinners exploited the deteriorating pitch conditions. At 56 for 4, the match was finely balanced, with Mumbai sensing a chance to regain control.
Nonetheless, Rathod and Wadkar assured Vidarbha ended the day on a strong note with a resilient partnership that neutralized a weary Mumbai attack. Rathod, achieving his second fifty-plus score in the match, played with poise, while Wadkar's gritty 102-ball innings frustrated the opposing team.
Brief scores: Vidarbha 393 & 147/4 in 53 overs (Yash Rathod 59, Akshay Wadkar 31; Shams Mulani 2-50) lead Mumbai 270 all out (Akash Anand 106, Tanush Kotian 33; Parth Rekhade 4-55, Harsh Dubey 2-68) by 260 runs.
–IANS
