Vidarbha Tighten Grip on Irani Cup, Extend Lead Over Rest of India to 224 Runs

Vidarbha took a commanding position in the ongoing Irani Cup clash against Rest of India, stretching their overall lead to 224 runs by stumps on Day 3 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

After bowling out Rest of India for 214 in response to their first-innings total of 342, Vidarbha finished the day at 96 for 2 in their second innings, setting the stage for a potential match-winning total heading into the final two days.

Early Strike Sets the Tone

The third day began with Vidarbha striking immediately. Aditya Thakare trapped Manav Suthar leg-before with the first ball of the day, overturning the umpire’s initial decision via DRS. It set the tone for a disciplined bowling performance from the hosts.

Yash Thakur followed up with a fiery spell, knocking over Saransh Jain with a yorker before removing Akash Deep, who was caught at cover. Rest of India captain Rajat Patidar, who resumed on 42, managed to reach 66 with ten boundaries, but fell attempting to clear long-off, becoming Harsh Dubey’s only wicket of the innings.

Thakur then cleaned up the final wicket to finish with impressive figures of 4 for 66, helping Vidarbha secure a healthy 128-run first-innings lead.

Solid Start in Second Innings

Vidarbha’s second innings began steadily with openers Atharva Taide and Aman Mokhade adding 42 runs for the first wicket. Taide was dismissed for 18, holing out to deep midwicket off Suthar. Mokhade looked composed for his 37, but fell in the 24th over, caught behind while attempting a hook shot against Gurnoor Brar.

From 64 for 2, Dhruv Shorey and Danish Malewar ensured no further damage, guiding the hosts to 96 without further loss at close of play. The pair will resume on Day 4 with Vidarbha already 224 runs ahead and in full control of the contest.

Brief Scores:

Vidarbha: 342 & 96/2 (Aman Mokhade 37, Dhruv Shorey 21*; Suthar 1-17, Brar 1-20)
Rest of India: 214 (Rajat Patidar 66, Abhimanyu Easwaran 52; Yash Thakur 4-66, Thakare 2-34)
Vidarbha lead by 224 runs with 8 wickets in hand.

With two days remaining and a sizeable lead in hand, Vidarbha will look to bat South Africa out of the contest and push for a statement win in this prestigious fixture.