Nagpur: Openers Abhishekh Hegde (76) and A Jagadeesh (88) hit half-centuries but Kerala were far from a comfortable position as they reached 252 for four, still trailing by 305 runs, in their Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha on Saturday.
The visitors, chasing Vidarbha`s mammoth 557 for seven, began at 24 without loss and were 138 for no loss at lunch through their overnight openers.
With the wicket playing easily, the pair posted half- centuries and looked set for a big one.
The post lunch saw Jagdeesh lured into a drive to be stumped off left-arm spinner Ravi Jangid. Soon, Hegde too got out to Sairaj Bahatule with the addition of 19 runs with visitors on 175 for 2 wickets.
Kerala middle order put on sedate 71 runs for the third wicket before Robert Fernandez (26) was trapped by Srikanth Wagh while well set Rohan Prem (47) misjudged Amol Jungade`s third ball of the final over to be bowled.
Brief Scores: Vidarbha 1st innings 547/7 declared.
Kerala first innings: 252 for four wickets off 97 overs.
PTI
