Vidarbha in command against Odisha

Vidarbha declared their innings for 272 for six with a healthy first innings lead of 122 runs to take firm control of their Ranji Trophy group B match against Odisha here today.
Odisha responded positively with 74 for no loss from 22 overs in their second innings when bad light stopped play on the penultimate day.
Debutant opener Sandeep Patnaik was unbeaten on 40 (7x4), while Ranjit Singh was batting on 27 (3x4). Odisha still needed 48 runs to avoid a defeat.
Earlier Vidarbha captain Faiz Fazal, who was unbeaten on his overnight score of 74, got out on 99 with Biplab Samantray taking the prized scalp.

The left-handed opener was caught behind by Haladhar Das as Vidarbha lost two overnight batsmen with addition of nine runs.
Resuming on 182 for two after a rain delay, Vidharbha lost their first wicket of the day when Aditya Shanware (9) got out in the 12th over of the day.

Deepak Behera (3/35) broke the overnight partnership before Fazal missed the century by one run.
Vidarbha stepped up the run-rate towards the end with Aditya Sarwate playing a cameo of 17 not out from 28 balls (2x4, 1x6).
Wicketkeeper batsman Jitesh Sharma also chipped in with 24 (5x4) before becoming Behera's third victim as Fazal made a spirited declaration.

Brief Scores
Odisha 1st Innings: 150 and 2nd Innings: 74 for no loss; 22 overs (Sandeep Patnaik 40 batting, Ranjit Singh 27 batting).
Vidarbha 1st Innings: 272/6 declared; 102 overs (Faiz Fazal 99; Deepak Behera 3/35).