Improved show by Vidarbha after Maharashtra take 273-run lead

Vidarbha bounced back strongly after first innings debacle but Maharashtra still maintained their edge with a huge first innings lead in their Ranji Trophy group B encounter, here today.
Rookie Vidarbha pacer Lalit Yadav (5/81) claimed his second successive five-wicket haul with good support from seasoned Shrikant Wagh (4/82) as Maharashtra were bowled out for 332 in 86.1 overs. Theu lost the last seven wickets for 92 runs to fold at lunch on day two but not before having a huge lead of 273 runs.
Having skittled for 59, Vidarbha batted with resolve on an eased-out Eden track with a 141-run opening stand between Sanjay Ramaswamy (67, 12x4) and India internationl Faiz Fazal (53 batting; 7x4) to reduce the deficit to 132 runs.

In pursuit of their maiden victory of the season, Maharashtra will bank on their pace battery led by Anupam Sanklecha to exploit the early morning condition tomorrow and bundle Vidarbha out.
The day belonged to Yadav, who impressed with his pace and accuracy as the strapping young lad added three more to his overnight tally.
Shrikant Wagh (4/82) gave the breakthrough in the fifth over of the day dismissing overnight centurion Naushad Shaikh for 127 (22x4, 1x6) to break his massive 201-run stand with Ankit Bawne (111; 14x4, 2x6).

Having claimed the prized scalp of Kedar Jadhav yesterday, Yadav gave back to back blows in the two unsettled batsmen Rahul Tripathi (0) and Vishant More (0) to rattle Maharashtra to 261/6.

"The conditions are such that the ball does a lot of movement initially but after lunch it eases up. I was looking to hit the right areas and thankfully it worked for me," Yadav said.
Brief Scores: Vidarbha 1st Innings 59
2nd Innings 141/1; 44 overs (Faiz Fazal 53 batting, Sanjay Ramaswamy 67).
Maharashtra 1st Innings 332; 86.1 overs (Naushad Shaikh 127, Ankit Bawne 111; Lalit Yadav 5/81).