NEW DELHI: Vidarbha, the formidable Ranji Trophy champions, delivered a masterclass performance on Friday, firmly seizing the reins of the Irani Cup. Their commanding first-innings lead was further cemented by a resolute start in their second essay against Rest of India at the VCA Stadium.
After setting a challenging total of 342 runs in their first innings, Vidarbha’s bowlers took center stage, dismissing Rest of India for just 214 runs in 69.5 overs. This secured a substantial 128-run advantage. By the close of play on Day 3, the Ranji champions had reached 96/2 in their second innings, pushing their overall lead to an impressive 224 runs with two full days of play still remaining.
Pacer Yash Thakur emerged as the star bowler of the day, with an exceptional spell of 4/66 that systematically dismantled Rest of India’s middle and lower order. His efforts were well-supported by left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade, who contributed with 2/14, and all-rounder Harsh Dubey, also taking 2/58. Aditya Thakare and Darshan Nalkande each chipped in with a wicket, highlighting a collective bowling effort.
Rest of India resumed their innings on Day 3 at 142/5, still trailing by 200 runs. Thakare made an immediate impact, trapping Manav Suthar leg-before-wicket on the very first ball. Captain Rajat Patidar, however, displayed immense resilience, anchoring the innings with a gritty knock of 66 runs from 125 deliveries, adorned with 10 boundaries. Patidar’s valiant resistance was eventually broken by Harsh Dubey, and with Gurnoor Brar’s dismissal by Thakur, Rest of India’s innings concluded at 214.
Aside from Patidar’s crucial innings and opener Abhimanyu Easwaran’s solid 52, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to find momentum. Key batsmen like Yash Dhull (11), Ruturaj Gaikwad (9), and Ishan Kishan (1) failed to make a significant impact on the scoreboard.
In their second innings, Vidarbha’s batsmen Aman Mokhade (37), Dhruv Shorey (24*), and Danish Malewar (16) ensured a cautious yet steady progression, carefully building on their lead. Their disciplined approach leaves Vidarbha in a formidable position to dictate the remainder of the contest.
Brief Scores:
- Vidarbha: 342 & 96/2 (Aman Mokhade 37, Dhruv Shorey 24*, Danish Malewar 16*)
- Rest of India: 214 (Rajat Patidar 66, Abhimanyu Easwaran 52; Yash Thakur 4/66, Parth Rekhade 2/14, Harsh Dubey 2/58)