Vidarbha 308/5 (Malewar 79, Shorey 74, Rathod 47*, Dube 2-35, Mulani 2-44) vs Mumbai
Half-centuries from Dhruv Shorey and Danish Malewar gave Vidarbha a solid foundation in their Ranji Trophy semi-final against defending champions Mumbai in Nagpur, putting them in a strong position to reach a total beyond 400 runs. However, missed opportunities from the top order allowed Mumbai a small opening, with Shams Mulani and Shivam Dube picking up two wickets each.
At stumps, Yash Rathod, Vidarbha’s highest run-scorer this season, was unbeaten on 47, with captain Akshay Wadkar on 13 not out. The pair played through the last hour after Vidarbha lost the wickets of the set Karun Nair and Malewar in quick succession.
Vidarbha’s optimism remained high with Harsh Dubey, who impressed with twin half-centuries in the quarter-final, yet to bat. This gives Vidarbha hope of posting a big first-innings total, an area where they fell short in last year’s final.
The day began with Vidarbha opting to bat on a surface that stayed true for most of the day. While seamers had little assistance, the surface was expected to play a key role in the first innings, making the early runs crucial for both sides.
Atharva Taide fell early after the openers survived a testing first spell from Shardul Thakur and Mohit Avasthi. Royston Dias, following a five-wicket haul in the quarter-final, struck immediately, getting Taide caught behind for a duck with a lifter.
Shorey responded with a series of stylish drives and cuts, stabilizing the innings. He was joined by Parth Rekhade, making just his second first-class appearance. The pair put on 54 runs before Dube dismissed Rekhade for 23.
India Eye Champions Trophy Glory Under Rohit’s Leadership – Team Preview
Shorey and Malewar then added 51 runs before Mulani claimed Shorey’s wicket, with the batter edging a deflection to Ajinkya Rahane at slip for 74. Karun Nair entered at No. 5, looking to anchor the innings with Malewar. Nair, coming off two centuries in as many games, countered the spin threat with innovative sweeps and reverse sweeps while Malewar brought up a solid half-century.
However, Nair fell for 45, edging a harmless Dube delivery, and Malewar was dismissed for 79, caught behind off Mulani as he looked to force the pace.
Rathod and Wadkar ensured there was no further damage, as their unbroken partnership of 47 at the close of play left Vidarbha well-placed despite their earlier batting lapses.
