Speedster Darshan Nalkande (4/7) got rid of five batters to dismantle Baroda’s top order, putting Vidarbha in a strong position on the third day of their Ranji Trophy Group A match at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Maharashtra.
Baroda was set a target of 276 but struggled at 73 for five in their second innings when stumps were drawn. With half the side back in the dressing room, chasing the remaining 203 runs on a tricky pitch at the VCA Stadium on the fourth day will be a tough task.
Yash Rathod played a crucial role
For Vidarbha, middle-order batter Yash Rathod played a crucial role, following up his first-innings 40 not out with a vital 91 off 142 balls. His innings included seven boundaries and a crucial 128-run stand for the fourth wicket alongside Ravikumar Samarth, who scored 45 off 129 balls.
Earlier, Dhruv Shorey contributed 61 and Atharva Taide added 40 at the top of the order, especially after Aman Mokhade was out for a duck on the second day, giving Vidarbha plenty of runs to build on.
For Baroda, skipper Atit Sheth was the most successful bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 5/47 in just under 16 overs.
Baroda’s second innings started poorly, with Nalkande removing the first four batters with only 17 runs on the board. Parth Rekhade then took the wicket of wicketkeeper Mitesh Patel, leaving Baroda struggling at 55 for five.
At stumps, Sukirt Pandey and Ninad Rathva were at the crease on 35 and 10, respectively. Vidarbha began the third day on 126 for three, with Rathod on 15 and Samarth on 8.
Brief scores:
Vidarbha 169 and and 272 all out in 98.2 overs (Yash Rathod 91, Dhruv Shorey 61; Atit Sheth 5/47) vs Baroda 166 and 73/5 in 32 overs (Sukirt Pandey batting 35; Darshan Nalkande 4/7).