NEEL Athaley and Shree Choudhary narrowly missed their individual centuries but Vidarbha made a strong start on the opening day of their fourday CK Nayudu Trophy match against Kerala at the VCA’s Civil Lines ground on Tuesday. Asked to bat first, Vidarbha lost opener Vidant Dighade in the second over of the day.

 

However, Neel, who scored 107 and 58 against Haryana in the last match, and Shree added 174 runs for the second wicket, laying a strong foundation for theinnings. Neel made 94 and Shree scored93 before both were dismissed. Mohd Faiz chipped in with a finehalf-century as Vidarbha endedthe day with 285 for the loss of four wickets. Brief Scores: Vidarbha 1st Innings 285-4 in 81 overs (Neel Athaley 94, Shree Choudhary 93, Mohd Faiz 54). Kerala yet to bat.