Panaji: Vidarbha strengthened their position against Goa, declaring on 442 for eight to secure a 222-run first-innings lead on the third day of their Group A Ranji Trophy Elite clash on Wednesday.
Goa closed on 41 for one in their second innings, leaving them 181 runs adrift heading into the final day. Dhruv Shorey anchored Vidarbha’s innings with 168, while captain Akshay Wadkar remained unbeaten on 63. Danish Malewar contributed 56 before Ruthvik Naik claimed his wicket.
Naik finished with 5-70, while Vasuki Koushik took two wickets and Darshan Misal one. Goa’s second innings suffered an early setback when Nachiket Bhute dismissed Suyash Prabhudessai for six.
Manthan Khutkar was unbeaten on 24 and Abhinav Tejrana on eight at stumps. Goa now need to withstand Vidarbha’s attack for the fourth day to salvage a draw.
