SLOW left-arm orthodox bowler Kush Sharma, batsman Nirmik Charde and all-rounder Veer Chikhalkar excelled as Vidarbha closed in on an innings victory against Tripura on Day Two of their three-day Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy match at JNN College of Engineering ground in Shimoga on Saturday. Vidarbha boys declared their first innings at 356 for seven after overnight-batters Nirmik and Veer completed their century and half-century respectively. Kush (5-28) and Veer (2-13)

 

were instrumental in bundling out Tripura for just 93 runs in 55.1 overs in their first innings. Following-on, Vidarbha’s Manthan Kale (2-17) struck twice to jolt Tripura who ended the day at 58-3 in 35 overs. Tripura trail by 205 runs at the end of play on second day. Brief scores: Vidarbha 1st innings 356-7 decl in 95.1 overs (Manav Wakode 48, Om Dhotre 61, Arjun Mahajan 67, Nirmik Charde 100*, Veer Chikhalkar 51*). Tripura 1st innings 93 all out in 55.1 overs (Kush Sharma 5-28, Veer Chikhalkar 2-13). Tripura 2nd innings (f/o) 58-3 in 35 overs (Manthan Kale 2-17). Tripura trail by 205 runs.