Vidarbha 237 for three, ton by Acharya

Margao, Dec 2 (UNI) A classy unbeaten century by Madhusudan Acharya and his 197-run second-wicket stand with Amit Deshpande (99) propelled Vidarbha to a commanding 237 for three as against 306 by Goa on day two of the four-day Ranji Trophy plate group cricket tournament here today.

At stumps, Madhusudan Acharya 118 (213b, 10x4, 1x6) and Harshal Shitut (5) were occupying the crease.

After Goa were bundled out for 306 in their first innings, the visitors started on a bad note losing opener Faiz Faizal (4) early.

However, Amit Deshpande and Madhusudan Acharya steadied the ship as both the batsmen exhibited fluent stroke on either side of the wicket to take the score to 204. Despande was unfortunate as he was dismissed by Sagun Kamat just a run short of his ton. His 99 came of 194 balls with 11 hits to the fence.

After Alind Naidu exit, Harshal Shitut joined Acharya and ensured there were no further hiccups.

Robin D' Souza, Anil Naik and Sagun Kamat claimed one wicket each for Goa.

Earlier, overnight batsmen Rohit Asnodkar and Damodar Redkar batted with grit to help Goa go past 300. Asnodkar, who resumed at 68, fell to Chandrasekhar Atram on his individual score of 80 that came in 180 deliveries with 11 fours.

Damodar Redkar's bat attracted attention, as he reached 73 with 10 fours off 137 balls and 189 minutes before he was stumped by wicketkeeper Despandhe off Acharya. The duo added 101 runs partership for the seventh wicket and Vidharbha bowlers didn't take long to clean up the tail.

Chandrashekar Atram took four for 51 while Madhusudan Acharya scalped two for 62 and Akshay Wakre three for 56.

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