Vidarbha Clinch Irani Cup Title After Dhull Heroics Fall Short

Vidarbha held their nerve to seal a 93-run victory over Rest of India on the final day of a gripping Irani Cup contest in Nagpur, lifting the prestigious title for the third time since the 2017-18 season.

Chasing a challenging target of 361, Rest of India were bowled out for 267 despite a fighting 92 from Yash Dhull and an unbeaten 56 from Manav Suthar. Spinners Harsh Dubey (4 for 73) and pacer Yash Thakur (2 for 43) were instrumental in scripting Vidarbha’s win.

Early Breakthroughs Put Vidarbha in Control

Rest of India began the final day at 30 for 2, needing 331 more for victory. Skipper Rajat Patidar was dismissed early, driving uppishly for a caught-and-bowled off Aditya Thakare. Ruturaj Gaikwad followed soon after, edging Darshan Nalkande behind for a low score.

Ishan Kishan, who had looked steady overnight, lost his composure after a 64-ball 35, falling to a slog off Dubey. Saransh Jain’s lbw dismissal to Harsh Rakhade left Rest of India reeling at 133 for 6.

Dhull-Suthar Stand Sparks Late Fightback

At that point, a defeat looked inevitable, but 22-year-old Yash Dhull stepped up with a fluent 92, showcasing maturity and intent. Batting at No. 6, he forged a 104-run stand with the resolute Manav Suthar, who played the anchor’s role.

Dhull struck eight boundaries and a six in his 117-ball effort before falling to an uppercut off Yash Thakur that found the fielder at deep third. The intensity was palpable as emotions flared between Dhull and Thakur after the dismissal.

Thakur struck again next ball, castling Anshul Kamboj with a sharp in-seamer. At 237 for 8, Vidarbha were on the brink of victory.

Dubey Seals the Win

Akash Deep’s attempt at a big drive off Dubey ended with his stumps in disarray. Suthar went on to complete his sixth first-class half-century, trying to delay the inevitable with No. 11 Gurnoor Brar. But Dubey had the final say, dismissing Brar to finish with 4 for 73 and wrap up the win.

The Match in Summary

Vidarbha laid the foundation for their win with a strong first innings effort, scoring 342 thanks to Atharva Taide’s brilliant 143 and Yash Rathod’s 91. Thakur then led with the ball, picking up 4 for 66 to help dismiss Rest of India for 214 despite fifties from Patidar (66) and Abhimanyu Easwaran (52).

In the third innings, Vidarbha were restricted to 232, with Kamboj impressing with 4 for 34. However, the 361-run target proved too much for Rest of India in the end.

Scorecard Snapshot

Vidarbha:
342 (Taide 143, Rathod 91; Akash Deep 3-51)
232 (Mokhade 37; Kamboj 4-34)

Rest of India:
214 (Patidar 66, Easwaran 52; Thakur 4-66)
267 (Dhull 92, Suthar 56*; Dubey 4-73)

Result: Vidarbha won by 93 runs

With the win, Vidarbha once again demonstrated their rising stature in Indian domestic cricket, outplaying a strong Rest of India side through discipline, composure, and timely performances across departments.