Vidarbha's opening batsman Atharva Taide, hit his third First-Class century and second of the current Ranji Trophy season, leading his team to 261/3 at the close of Day 1 in their quarterfinal clash against Karnataka on February 23.
Atharva Taide's run-spree continues
Taide, who represents Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL, stands out as his team's leading run-scorer this season, amassing 463 runs across ten innings at an average of 51.44. His tally includes two fifties and a top score of 138.
Taide, Yash dominate on Day 1
Despite a rocky start after being put to bat, with Dhruv Shorey falling for 12 at a team total of 22 to Vasuki Koushik's leg-before wicket, Vidarbha remained unfazed. Taide, scoring 109, alongside Yash Rathod, who made 93, dominated the innings with a 184-run partnership for the second wicket, putting the opposing team on the defensive.
The stand between Taide and Rathod was eventually ended by Vidwath Kaverappa, with Rathod being dismissed for 93, just seven runs shy of his first first-class century. Taide reached his century but was later out lbw to Hardik Raj with the score at 251 for three.
By the end of the day, the hosts were at 261/3, with Karun Nair and captain Akshay Wadkar not out on 30 and 2, respectively. Karnataka's bowlers each took a wicket in the innings, with Vasuki Koushik being the most efficient, conceding only 31 runs from his overs at an economy rate of 1.47.
Vijaykumar Vyshak, the season's leading wicket-taker for the visitors with 34 wickets at an average of 23.26 and best bowling figures of 5-67, followed Koushik in terms of economy, maintaining a rate of 2.16
Karnataka hope for comeback on Day 2
Karnataka's hopes hinge on securing early breakthroughs in the first session of play on Saturday to stay in contention.
On the opening day, Karnataka introduced the remarkable talent of ambidextrous bowler Dheeraj Gowda in his First Class debut. Dheeraj began his spell bowling right-arm off-spin against left-handers Taide and Rathod, and impressively switched to left-arm orthodox spin when facing right-handed batsmen Nair and Akshay Wadkar.
Despite being only 17 years old, Dheeraj displayed adeptness in both styles of bowling. Although he did not claim any wickets in his 14 overs on Friday, Dheeraj's unique ability captured the attention of many.
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