Vidarbha took firm control of the Irani Cup final, setting a daunting target of 361 runs for Rest of India (RoI) before reducing them to 30/2 when rain brought an early end to Day 4’s play on Saturday.
Starting the day at 96/2, the Ranji Trophy champions were bowled out for 232 in 94.1 overs, but a crucial 128-run first-innings lead ensured they remained ahead in the contest.
Kamboj’s Early Burst Shakes Vidarbha
Pacer Anshul Kamboj turned the tide early on with a devastating spell, claiming three wickets in successive overs. He dismissed overnight batter Danish Malewar (16) with the second ball of the day, trapped Yash Rathod (5) soon after, and pinned Dhruv Shorey (27) lbw — reducing Vidarbha to 105/5 within the first five overs.
Captain Akshay Wadkar (36 off 125) showed resilience, stitching crucial partnerships with Harsh Dubey (29) and Darshan Nalkande (35) to steady the innings. However, regular strikes from Kamboj (4/34), Gurnoor Brar (2/41), Saransh Jain (2/52), and Manav Suthar (2/82) ensured Vidarbha couldn’t post a massive second-innings total.
Rest of India Struggle in Chase
Chasing 361 on a tricky surface under overcast skies, Rest of India made a positive start as Abhimanyu Easwaran and Aryan Juyal scored 13 runs in the first over. However, the momentum didn’t last long.
Aditya Thakare dismissed Juyal (6) with a brilliant delivery in the fourth over, and Harsh Dubey trapped Easwaran (17) lbw in the seventh, leaving RoI reeling at 24/2.
At stumps, Ishan Kishan (5)* and Rajat Patidar (2)* were at the crease, with RoI still 331 runs away from victory and eight wickets in hand.
Final Day: RoI Face Steep Climb
With the pitch deteriorating and Vidarbha’s bowlers in control, Rest of India will need a monumental effort on the final day to prevent Vidarbha from lifting their third Irani Cup title.
Brief Scores:
- Vidarbha: 342 & 232 in 94.1 overs (Aman Mokhade 37, Akshay Wadkar 36; Anshul Kamboj 4/34)
- Rest of India: 214 & 30/2 in 12 overs (Ishan Kishan 5, Rajat Patidar 2). Target: 361 runs.
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