Wadkar, Rathod rescue Vidarbha in Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai
What's the story
Vidarbha's cricket team showed some fight on the third day of the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai.
Despite an early top-order collapse in their second innings, a strong partnership between Yash Rathod and Akshay Wadkar helped them recover.
The duo's unbeaten 91-run stand for the fifth wicket, pushed Vidarbha's score to 147/4 at stumps.
This effectively gave them a 260-run lead over Mumbai.
Early setbacks
Vidarbha's top-order collapse and Rathod-Wadkar's recovery
Vidarbha's second innings started on a bitter note as Shardul Thakur sent Atharva Taide back early on.
The team's situation worsened when Karun Nair and Dhruv Shorey were sent back to the pavilion in three overs, leaving Vidarbha at 56/4.
However, Rathod and Wadkar steadied the ship. Rathod remained unbeaten on 59, while Wadkar contributed a patient 31* off 102 deliveries.
Individual brilliance
Anand's century reduces Mumbai's deficit
Mumbai started Day 3 on 188/7 after Vidarbha's score of 383 runs earlier.
The team found a savior in wicketkeeper-batter Akash Anand. He scored his second First-Class century, helping reduce their deficit.
Anand, who opened the innings, stayed on the field until he was the ninth batter dismissed.
He finished with a score of 106 from 256 balls. His knock significantly contributed to Mumbai's total of 270 runs in their first innings.
Match status
Mumbai's struggle and Vidarbha's lead
Anand had formed a crucial 69-run partnership with Tanush Kotian for the eighth wicket.
However, after his dismissal, Mumbai could only add 23 more runs to their total.
This left them trailing by 113 runs in the first innings against Vidarbha.
As the match moves into its fourth day, Mumbai will need to make significant progress early on Thursday to keep their hopes alive in this semi-final clash.
Information
Rathod shines for Vidarbha
Rathod, who is unscathed on 59, smashed a fifty in Vidarbha's first innings as well. He had hit 54 from 113 balls. He currently owns 4 tons and 4 fifties in Ranji 2024/25 season. He is looking to convert this 59* into a 5th ton.