Kodape, Bhalerao star in colts' win

NAGPUR: Another brisk unbeaten century from Gaurav Bhalerao followed by a seven-wicket haul from Vijay Kodape marked Vidarbha's ruthless innings and 345-run victory over a spineless Bihar outfit in the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy Plate B match at Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium, Jamtha on Saturday.
Resuming play at a commanding position, Vidarbha first made sure they do not have to bat again by piling a mountain of runs.The task was spearheaded by overnight batsman Gaurav Bhalerao, who was coming fresh from a century in the last game. Bhalerao slammed eight fours in his unbeaten 101 to take the Vidarbha innings past 600. Amassing 603 runs on the board and bagging a massive 423 runs lead, Vidarbha declared the innings with a day and half to go.
With an uphill task at hand, Bihar batsmen started cautiously but once the top order departed, the rest surrendered meekly to Kodape's attacking line. The offie went on to bag as many as seven Bihar wickets in his 16.5 overs to seal a thrashing win for the hosts.
Brief Scores
Bihar: 180 & 105 (P Kumar 22; V Kodape 7-40)
Vidarbha: 603/8 (A Sharma 215, V Ingle 128, G Bhalerao 101*; P Kumar 2-27).