FORMER two-time champions Vidarbha defeated Haryana by 115 runs in their last Elite Group A Ranji Trophy league match at VCA Civil Lines ground on Monday. Set a target of 296, the visitors tried to use the long handle as they had nothing to lose but Vidarbha bowlers used the fourth day pitch to their advantage bowling them out for 180 in 34.3 overs. The strike rate of 5.21 also suggests that Haryana wanted to score quickly. With 33 points from their league assignment, Vidarbha topped the pool and will now take on Karnataka, who finished second in Group C with 27 points one lesser that table toppers Tamil Nadu.

 

The group winners will get home advantage and the two sides will clash at the same venue. When Vidarbha won their maiden Ranji title, they had pipped the same rivals at the same stage albeit at neutral Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Starting the third day at 113-4, Vidarbha lost Yash Rathod (4; 14) early. The southpaw was trapped lbw by offie Jayant Yadav. Overnight not out batter Akshay Wadkar (38; 62b, 6x4) and man of the match Aditya Sarvate (42; 77b, 6x4) took the team score to 155 when the skipper was adjudged lbw to seamer Anshul Kamboj. A collapse at that stage would have been detrimental but Sarvate stood tall and with the help of tail added 50 more runs setting a tough target.

 

India seamer Umesh Yadav, once again in the tournament, gave the team an early breakthrough by getting Yuvraj Singh lbw. Yash Thakur’s quick reflexes saw other opener Ankit Kumar (39; 46, 5x4) back. First innings’ centurion Nishant Sindhu lasted just four balls as offie Akshay Wakhare trapped in front of the wicket. Playing a reverse sweep, Himanshu Rana (23; 40b, 1x4) was brilliantly caught by Rathod at backward point. IPL’s big-hitter Rahul Tewatia (20; 29b, 1x4) could not do much as Wakhare had him caught at covers by Sarvate. Number nine Anshul Kamboj (46; 25b, 5x4, 3x6) tried his best but it was too late. Going for another big heave Karun Nair held him at long on off the bowling of Sarvate. An injured skipper Ashok Menaria did not turn up as Vidarbha players celebrated.