Vidarbha established a dominant position against Rest of India in the Irani Cup, extending their formidable lead to 224 runs by the close of play on Day 3. After posting 342 runs in their initial innings, the Ranji Trophy champions efficiently bowled out Rest of India for 214 runs in 69.5 overs, securing a significant first-innings advantage of 128 runs. In their second innings, Vidarbha reached 96 for 2 wickets, further solidifying their control with two days remaining in the match at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
Pacer Yash Thakur was instrumental in Vidarbha`s bowling attack, claiming 4 wickets for 66 runs and dismantling Rest of India`s middle and lower order. He received excellent support from left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade (2/14) and all-rounder Harsh Dubey (2/58), while Aditya Thakare and Darshan Nalkande each contributed with a wicket.
Rest of India began the third day at 142 for five, still trailing by 200 runs, with captain Rajat Patidar (who was 42 overnight) carrying much of their hopes. However, Vidarbha quickly struck, with Thakare trapping Manav Suthar (1) leg before wicket on the very first ball, setting an aggressive tone.
Despite the early setback, Patidar displayed resilience, notching up a determined half-century and striving to keep his team`s innings afloat amidst a steady fall of wickets. Saransh Jain (10) was dismissed by Thakur, who delivered a challenging spell with the old ball, finishing with impressive figures of 16.5-3-66-4. Bengal pacer Akash Deep attempted a brief counter-attack, scoring a quick 14 off 10 deliveries with three boundaries, but Thakur’s sharp short-pitched bowling brought an end to his aggressive cameo.
Patidar`s three-hour long vigil finally concluded when Harsh Dubey found his outside edge, ending his innings at a valiant 66 runs from 125 balls, including 10 fours. His dismissal at 191 for nine effectively signaled the end of Rest of India`s innings, with Gurnoor Brar (13) becoming Thakur`s fourth victim shortly after.
Beyond Patidar`s commendable effort and opener Abhimanyu Easwaran’s earlier contribution of 52, the rest of the Rest of India batting lineup offered minimal resistance. Notable disappointments included Yash Dhull (11), Ruturaj Gaikwad (9), and Ishan Kishan (1).
