Rathod, Wadkar rescue Vidarbha on Day 3

It was a day of mixed fortunes for Vidarbha as they went through ups and downs to end the day with a slight edge against 42-time champions Mumbai. The day began with Vidarbha players dropping a couple of sharp chances that allowed Mumbai's lower order to add some vital runs.

Tanush Kotian made 33 and his association with Akash Anand produced 69 runs --- the highest of the innings. Parth Rekhade finally broke through Kotian's defence but Vidarbha required the second new ball to prise out Akash. The Mumbai opener displayed unflappable temperament and a compact technique in making a chanceless 106. He faced 256 deliveries and hit 11 boundaries before slashing at Nachiket Bhute to be caught behind. The Mumbai innings folded soon after for 270, as they conceded a lead of 113 runs.

Vidarbha had only one over to negotiate before lunch but disaster struck when they lost Atharva Taide to Shardul Thakur's second delivery. The post lunch session was not good for the home team either as they lost three more wickets in quick succession to be four down for 56 in 21 overs.

With their top-four --- Taide (0), Dhruv Shorey (6), Danish Malewar (29) and Karun Nair (6) --- all back in the pavilion, the stage was set for Rathod and Wadkar to bail out their team. They did so with aplomb. Mixing caution with aggression the duo frustrated Mumbai bowlers in the final session.

Rathod, who made 54 in the first innings, was batting on 59 and Wadkar was on 31 when play ended for the day. They will be hoping to continue their fifth-wicket association when play resumes on Day 4.

BRIEF SCORES

Vidarbha 1st innings 383 all out in 107.5 overs (Dhruv Shorey 74, Danish Malewar 79, Karun Nair 45, Parth Rekhade 23, Yash Rathod 54, Akshay Wadkar 34; Shams Mulani 2/62, Shivam Dube 5/49, Royston Dias 2/48)

Mumbai 1st innings 270 all out in 92 overs (Akash Anand 106, Siddesh Lad 35, Shardul Thakur 37, Tanush Kotian 33; Parth Rekhade 4/55, Yash Thakur 2/73, Harsh Dubey 2/68)

Vidarbha 2nd innings 147/4 in 53 overs (Yash Rathod 59 batting, Akshay Wadkar 31 batting; Shams Mulani 2/50)

Vidarbha lead by 260 runs