Not once since the pre-match build-up has Vidarbha billed its Ranji Trophy semifinal against mighty Mumbai as an opportunity to avenge the loss in the last season’s final. With two days remaining in the match, not only has Vidarbha taken a firm grip on the game but also has – more importantly – put one foot in the final.
In-form Yash Rathod and captain Akshay Wadkar – who train at the Nagpur Cricket Academy together – pulled Vidarbha out of trouble despite earning a sizable 113-run lead. Thanks to the duo’s unbroken association of 91 runs, Vidarbha ended day three proceedings at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium at 147 for four.
With a hefty advantage of 260 runs, Vidarbha will be hoping for the unbeaten duo to keep grinding on Thursday and completely bat Mumbai out of the game.
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Had it not been for opener Akash Anand’s fluent hundred in the morning, Mumbai would have conceded a much bigger deficit. Starting the day at 188 for seven, Wadkar dropped Tanush Kotian in the first over of the day. While Kotian and Akash frustrated the Vidarbha bowlers till the first drinks break, Parth Rekhade came to Vidarbha’s rescue yet again.
The left-arm spinner hurried one through the gate to crash into Kotian’s stumps and break the 68-run association. Akash’s marathon 375-minute knock was finally over with a nick behind the wicket off the new ball soon after he paddle-swept Rekhade for his 11th four. The Mumbai essay was over when Mohit Avasthi missed the line and was bowled by Harsh Dubey.
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With a solitary over to be seen through before the break, Atharva Taide perished to Shardul Thakur’s straight one. Soon after the break, Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian struck thrice in quick succession to reduce Vidarbha to 56 for four.
Rathod and Wadkar then brought parity by seeing off the last session without a fuss. While left-handed Rathod punched and flicked with aplomb, Wadkar survived despite walking down the crease to pacers too many times.