Irani Cup: Vidarbha defeat Rest of India by 93 runs, seal third title

Vidarbha are Irani Cup champions (Screengrabs/BCCI)

Vidarbha extended their unbeaten record in the Irani Cup, defeating Rest of India by 93 runs in a thrilling final at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday. This marked their third triumph in the prestigious fixture.

Chasing a stiff target of 361, Rest of India were bowled out for 267 in the second session of Day 5. Yash Dhull (92) and Manav Suthar (56) stitched a 104-run partnership for the seventh wicket, offering some resistance after the side slipped to 133/6 in the morning.

However, Yash Thakur (2/47) broke the stand, dismissing Dhull with a sharp catch taken by Atharva Taide at deep third man. The dismissal triggered a heated exchange between Thakur and Dhull, forcing umpires and players to intervene. Soon after, Thakur removed Akash Deep, before Harsh Dubey (4/73) wrapped up the innings to secure Vidarbha’s win.

Vidarbha’s victory was underpinned by Atharva Taide, who struck 143 in the first innings and took the crucial catch to remove Dhull. He was named Player of the Match.

“The last couple of seasons weren’t great for me. But this season I prepared well. Starting with an Irani Cup win makes it special. This is for my team, coaches, and selectors who backed me,” said Taide.

Rest of India skipper Rajat Patidar admitted, “Vidarbha played well and were deserving winners. We could have come close if we applied ourselves better.”

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National selectors would also be keen on the return of Akash Deep, who bowled 29 overs and picked up three wickets after recovering from his shoulder injury.

Brief Scores

• Vidarbha: 342 & 232
• Rest of India: 214 & 267 (Yash Dhull 92, Manav Suthar 56; Harsh Dubey 4/73, Yash Thakur 2/47)