Irani Cup 2025: Vidarbha Dominate Rest of India With Big First-Innings Lead

After posting 342 in their first innings, Vidarbha’s bowlers produced a clinical performance to bundle out Rest of India for just 214 in 69.5 overs, securing a lead of 128 runs. By stumps on Day 3, Vidarbha were 96/2 in their second innings, stretching their overall advantage to 224 runs with two full days still to play.

Pacer Yash Thakur was the standout performer with figures of 4/66, dismantling the Rest of India’s middle and lower order. He was ably supported by left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade (2/14) and all-rounder Harsh Dubey (2/58), while Aditya Thakare and Darshan Nalkande chipped in with a wicket each.

The day began with Rest of India at 142/5, still 200 runs behind. Thakare struck first ball, trapping Manav Suthar lbw. Skipper Rajat Patidar offered resistance with a gritty 66 off 125 balls, including 10 boundaries, while Abhimanyu Easwaran contributed a composed 52. However, the rest of the batting faltered, with Yash Dhull (11), Ruturaj Gaikwad (9), and Ishan Kishan (1) failing to make an impact. The innings folded when Thakur dismissed Gurnoor Brar.

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Vidarbha’s second innings started steadily, with Aman Mokhade (37), *Dhruv Shorey (24)**, and Danish Malewar (16) ensuring their team remained in control. With a lead already past 200, Vidarbha are in a strong position to dictate terms heading into the final two days.

Brief Scores:

• Vidarbha: 342 & 96/2 (Aman Mokhade 37, Dhruv Shorey 24*, Danish Malewar 16*)

• Rest of India: 214 (Rajat Patidar 66, Abhimanyu Easwaran 52; Yash Thakur 4/66, Parth Rekhade 2/14, Harsh Dubey 2/58)