NAGPUR: After a topsy-turvy ride over the last 45 days, Vidarbha's Ranji Trophy campaign came to an end on Friday. Vidarbha needed a win with a bonus point (6+1 points) against Punjab at Mohali to qualify for the knockouts. However, both teams got one point each as the game ended in a draw after first innings remained incomplete due to the weather allowing only 86-over play over four days.
With just one point from this encounter, Vidarbha finished at the fourth spot in Elite Group 'D' and did not make it to the knockouts. Defending champions Madhya Pradesh (33 points) and Punjab qualified for the quarterfinals after finishing in the top two places.
Vidarbha resumed at the overnight score of 88 for 2 in 31 overs when play started on Friday. They went on to score 273 for 6 in 86 overs when both teams decided to shake hands.
Southpaw Atharva Taide (112 n.o; 200b, 15x4) stole the show with a pleasing batting display. The Punjab Kings player Atharva, playing at his second home, looked as comfortable in the middle as he looked in earlier matches. But what worked for the Akola-born batter on Friday was his relentless grind even after crossing the 50-run mark. The vice-captain showed no signs of concentration lapse anytime during his knock.
Atharva had a reliable partner in skipper Akshay Wadkar (71; 115b, 6x4), who also left a mark with a well-controlled half-century.
Atharva's back-foot punch in extra-cover region brought his maiden First-Class (FC) century. It was his 15th FC match. The southpaw, who hit 15 boundaries, would relish this knock as he notched-up the much-awaited ton facing one of the best pace attacks this season. With this unbeaten three-figure knock, Atharva finished as the highest run-getter for Vidarbha in Ranji Trophy this season.
Vice-captain Atharva joined hands with skipper Akshay after Vidarbha had lost four wickets for 116 runs. The future leaders of the Vidarbha team teamed up nicely, and showed great understanding during their 146-run partnership.
Wicketkeeper Wakdar played some magnificent square-cuts piercing point region. Wadkar finished as the second run-getter behind Atharva. While Atharva scored 499 runs, Wadkar compiled 441 in 12 innings from 7 games.
BRIEF SCORES
Vidarbha 273 for 6 in 86 overs (Atharva Taide 112 n.o, Akshay Wadkar 71; Baltej Singh 3-53) drew with Punjab
