Vidarbha Set Rest of India 361-Run Target, Land Early Blows in Irani Cup Final

Vidarbha tightened their grip on the Irani Cup contest by setting a challenging 361-run target for Rest of India and striking twice late on Day 3 to leave the visitors in trouble at 30 for 2.

Resuming the day at 96 for 2 in their second innings, Vidarbha lost quick wickets early on but recovered through gritty lower-order contributions. Captain Akshay Wadkar (36), Harsh Dubey (29), and Darshan Nalkande (39) ensured Vidarbha posted a fighting total of 232 in their second innings. That effort, combined with their first-innings score of 342, gave them a substantial lead.

Rest of India's Anshul Kamboj was the standout with the ball, claiming 4 for 34 in a sharp 12-over burst. He accounted for key middle-order wickets, including Wadkar, Danesh Malewar, and Yash Rathod. Saransh Jain offered steady support, applying pressure during the middle overs.

Chasing 361 on a surface beginning to show variable bounce, Rest of India suffered early setbacks. Aditya Thakare castled Aryan Juyal with a delivery that sneaked through the gate, while Dubey trapped Abhimanyu Easwaran lbw. Easwaran’s review proved unsuccessful, compounding the visitors’ woes.

At stumps, Ishan Kishan (5*) and Rajat Patidar (2*) were unbeaten, with Rest of India still needing 331 runs and only eight wickets in hand.

Vidarbha are eyeing their third Irani Cup title in eight years, having previously won in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. With momentum on their side and the pitch offering assistance, they will fancy their chances heading into a crucial Day 4.