MALHAR Dhurad cracked a fine century which helped Vidarbha take first innings lead against Tamil Nadu in their four-day Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy Elite Group A match at JNN College of Engineering, Shimoga, on Wednesday. Dhurad, who was unbeaten on 84 overnight, went on to make a splendid 144 to help Vidarbha take a 56-run lead over Tamil Nadu. Batting first, Tamil Nadu posted 302. In return Vidarbha scored 358. Dhurad got good support from Manav Wakode (37), Nirmik Charde (34) and Viraaj Maheshwari (34) as Vidarbha pocketed three points from the match. Dhurad’s 329-ball stay in the middle had 17 fours and a six.

 

Dhurad had a couple of big partnerships in the innings. First, he added 58 runs with Arjun Wankhede for the second wicket and then put up 83 runs with Wakode for the fifth wicket. Tamil Nadu were 60-1 in their second innings when the stumps were drawn for the day. Brief scores: Tamil Nadu 1st innings: 302. Vidarbha 1st innings: 358 all out in 140.1 overs (Arjun Wankhade 33, Kush Sharma 28, Malhar Dhurad 144, Manav Wakode 37, Nirmik Charde 34, Viraaj Maheshwari 34; Abhiman Sundar 5-78). Tamil Nadu 2nd innings: 60-1 in 11 overs. Result: Match drawn, Vidarbha took first innings lead.