Vidarbha’s captain, Harsh Dubey, displayed an impressive performance by taking 6 wickets for 37 runs in 19.5 overs, restricting Uttar Pradesh to 237 runs on the first day of their crucial Ranji Trophy match at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. Vidarbha, after bowling out UP, reached 33 runs for the loss of one wicket in 12 overs, gaining an early advantage in the game they must win to advance to the knockouts.
In another match at the Salem Cricket Foundation Ground, Baroda reached 247/5 against Tamil Nadu, with Sukirt Pandey scoring an unbeaten 73 and Ninad Rathva contributing 66 runs. Despite a shaky start that saw Baroda at 72/4, Pandey and Rathva’s partnership, along with a solid stand by skipper Atit Sheth (45 not out), helped Baroda finish the day in a strong position.
At the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Chetan Bist’s unbeaten 160 guided Nagaland to 322/6 against Andhra after a rocky start at 59/4. Bist’s stellar innings, supported by Dega Nischal’s 74 runs, put Nagaland in control. Despite losing Nischal and Imliwati Lemtur, Bist found an ally in Nagaho Chishi, who remained unbeaten on 37.
Meanwhile, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha closed the first day’s play at 242/6 against Jharkhand, with Swastik Samal and Govinda Podder both scoring half-centuries. Odisha’s resilient batting kept Jharkhand at bay, setting the stage for an intriguing second day of play.
