Exciting finish on cards

By Paritosh Pramanik

Karun Nair scored a gritty century while Athrava Taide missed out on a deserving one as Vidarbha gave a huge 220 runs target to Hyderabad on the third day of their last Ranji Trophy league match at VCA Civil Lines Stadium. 

Vidarbha, starting the day at overnight score of 56-2, scored 355 runs in their second innings with runs from Taide, Nair and Harsh Dubey taking the centrestage. Vidarbha have already qualified for the quarter-finals to be played at the same venue, most likely against Tamil Nadu, from February 8.

At stumps, Hyderabad were 23 for one still needing 197 runs for a victory. Yash Thakur shattered in-form Hyderabadi batter Tanmay Agarwal’s stumps in the third over of the visitors’ second innings. Abhirath Reddy (9) and Tanay Thayagarajan (7) were at the crease.

Though Taide and Nair were instrumental in taking Vidarbha’s lead past 150-run mark, it was once again all-rounder Harsh Dubey who slammed his second half century of the game to make it sure the hosts bowlers get enough total to defend on the last day of the game.

Dubey, who hit crucial 65 in the first innings, slammed valuable 55 in the second essay as Vidarbha take control of the game.After conceding first innings lead and then two wickets down in their second innings at the end of  second day’s play, Vidarbha needed their batters to apply themselves. Overnight batter Taide and Nair answered the call with a face-saving fourth wicket century stand which helped Vidarbha put up the huge target for Hyderabad on a fourth day pitch.

Taide was back among runs after some below-par scores and he hit boundaries with ease. He completed his half century with a couple pushing the ball towards third-man off Rakshann Readdi. The next ball he delicately diverted it towards fine leg fence for a boundary. A few overs earlier, he had earned applause from the crowd after he hit Siraj for a straight four.

Nair, on the other hand, was in his zone. With five hundreds in Vijay Hazare Trophy still fresh in his mind, the right-hander had to curb his shots to build partnership with Taide. At times he stepped out to fetch boundaries off Readdi and Tanay Thayarajan.

Nair was lucky when he was dropped at slips by K Himateja when on 20. The former Karnataka batter built on that chance to complete his century with a single pushing the ball towards covers. He and Harsh Dubey stitched an important 51 runs for the seventh wicket before Nair was stumped brilliantly by Rahul Radesh.

Dubey continued his good form against Siraj hitting him for timely boundaries through covers and later completed his half century in 60 balls before he was bowled by Readdi.