Nagpur: Vidarbha continued their flawless record in the Irani Cup, defeating Rest of India by 93 runs in a thrilling five-day encounter at Nagpur on Sunday. Chasing a challenging target of 361, Rest of India were bowled out for 267 in the second session of the final day, with left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey (4/73) and pacer Yash Thakur (2/47) wreaking havoc in the lower order.
The game saw a standout performance from Yash Dhull, who fought valiantly to score 92 runs, keeping his team’s hopes alive. Partnering with Manav Suthar (56), the duo stitched a 104-run seventh-wicket partnership, offering a brief lifeline after Rest of India had slumped to 133 for six in the first session on the final morning.
However, Vidarbha’s bowling duo ensured that the resistance was short-lived. Thakur delivered the crucial breakthrough when Dhull attempted a risky slash and was brilliantly caught by Atharva Taide at deep third man. The wicket sparked a tense moment on the field as Thakur and Dhull nearly came to blows after a heated exchange, requiring intervention from umpires and Vidarbha fielders. Both players are expected to face sanctions from the match referee.
Soon after, Thakur removed Akash Deep, and Dubey wrapped up the innings, sealing the 93-run victory for Vidarbha. This win marked Vidarbha’s third consecutive Irani Cup triumph, with Dubey and Thakur claiming a combined six wickets in the match and dominating across both innings.
For Vidarbha, Atharva Taide was adjudged Player of the Match. Taide not only scored a crucial 143 in the first innings but also took the vital catch to dismiss Dhull at a critical juncture. Speaking after the match, Taide credited his preparation and the support of his team, coaches, and selectors for his performance:
"Last couple of seasons weren’t great for me. But this season, I prepared very well. I wanted to make an impact for my team, and starting the season with the Irani Cup has been better than this. So all this evening is for VCA."
Rest of India skipper Rajat Patidar acknowledged Vidarbha’s dominance while reflecting on his team’s shortcomings:
"Vidarbha played well and were deserving winners. If we had applied ourselves in a better way, after assessing the conditions, I think we could have come close to the total."
From a fitness perspective, selectors would be pleased with Akash Deep, who looked fully fit following a shoulder injury suffered during the Oval Test against England. He bowled 29 overs across both innings and claimed three wickets, showing sharpness and control.
On the batting side, Abhimanyu Easwaran’s misfortune in crucial knock-out matches continued, despite a half-century in the first innings. His dismissals in both innings came from left-arm spinners Parth Rekhade and Harsh Dubey caught plumb in front after attempting to defend off the backfoot.
Brief Scores:
• Vidarbha: 342 & 232
• Rest of India: 214 & 267 all out in 73.5 overs (Target 361)
• Top performers: Yash Dhull 92, Manav Suthar 56, Harsh Dubey 4/73, Yash Thakur 2/47
Vidarbha’s clinical performance with both bat and ball highlighted their supremacy in domestic cricket, further solidifying their status as the team to beat in the Irani Cup.