Ranji Trophy 2018-19 Final, Vidarbha vs Saurashtra, Day 3 Highlights: Vidarbha build 60-run lead with 8 wickets in hand

Highlights: It was an absorbing day of cricket between the defending champions Vidarbha and the two-time finalists Saurashtra. The tail wagged brilliantly for Saurashtra with each of the last five batsmen going past the 20-run mark. Captain Jaydev Unadkat scored a 101-ball 46 to help his side to within five runs of the Vidarbha first innings total. Dharmendrasinh Jadeja then accounted for the wickets of Faiz Fazal and Sanjay Raghunath to keep the match evenly poised. The veteran batsman and nine-time Ranji Tophy winner Wasim Jaffer, who is batting on 5, will be the key man on the fourth day for Vidarbha as they look for back-to-back titles.Here’s how Day 3 of the final unfolded:

17:02 hrs IST

Stumps

Ganesh Satish (24*) and Wasim Jaffer (5*) end Day 3 for Vidarbha at 55/2, lead Saurashtra by 60 runs.

16:54 hrs IST

Vidarbha reach 50

16:43 hrs IST

Jaffer survives!

There was a scare for the Vidarbha veteran as an Unadkat delivery brushed the flap of his backfoot pad before nestling into the wicket-keeper’s gloves. Unadkat and Barot appeal vociferously but Jaffer survives. That was a close one!

16:38 hrs IST

Both Vidarbha openers back in the pavilion

Sanjay scampers to get back in the crease but Barot is too quick for the opener

15:56 hrs IST

Vidarbha are being watchful

There is assistance on the surface for the bowlers and the Vidarbha openers are in no hurry to get going. The score has stagnated. 14 runs in 14 overs so far and Saurashtra too would believe they get can into the scheme of things with a couple of wickets

14:34 hrs IST

Unadkat falls

He sweeps and finds the man at short square leg. Unadkat is on his haunches, Faiz Fazal exults. Chandrakant Pandit lets out a huge puff of air, Shitanshu Kotak stands up and walks away. Images screaming out a story. Vidarbha have managed to earn a 5-run lead in the first innings. Surely, this match is not ending in a draw?

14:14 hrs IST

300 raised

13:52 hrs IST

What a stunning fightback

Captain Jaydev Undadkat and Sakariya have added 47 runs for the final wicket and have dragged Saurashtra 18 runs adrift of Vidarbha. This final is living up to his billing

12:37 hrs IST

Lunch has been taken

12:10 hrs IST

Unadkat, Sakariya battle on

11:57 hrs IST

Saurashtra nine down

Ninth wicket goes down for Saurashtra as Kamlesh Makvana departs for 27. Saurashtra are still trailing by 64 runs and it is not looking good for Cheteshwar Pujara & Co. Saurashtra 248/9

11:30 hrs IST

5-wicket haul for Sarwate

Jadeja looks to cut a flat delivery which is outside off, nicks it to Jaffer who takes a sharp catch. And the batsman gets a send-off from the keeper and the bowler

10:53 hrs IST

Umesh gets Patel

The bouncer trick has worked. After being hit on the helmet, Patel was expecting another one, but Umesh bowls a length ball outside off. The centurion goes after it with static feet and edges it. Huge moment in the match, Vidarbha on the charge

10:33 hrs IST

100 for Snell Patel

He has swept an angled ball for four and reaches his 2nd century for the season. Has been a dogged innings which has kept Vidarbha at bay. He needs to carry on and nibble away at the deficit.

10:19 hrs IST

Sarwate strikes

The breakthrough arrives. Slower arm ball angled in, Mankad plays for the turn, there is no turn and he has been trapped in front. Vidarbha strike

10:01 hrs IST

Saurashtra soild

Mankad receives treatment for his right thumb. He has been battered today, but is holding fort. Saurashtra are showing fight against some high-quality bowling

9:31 hrs IST

Day 3 is underway

Snell Patel holds the key for Saurashtra, the pitch will turn today and will keep low for the seam bowlers. He is supported by Mankad. Sarwate, who was the pick of the bowlers, on day 2 starts the proceedings