Irani Cup 2025: Vidarbha Dominates with Decisive Middle-Order Collapse

Vidarbha strengthened its hold on the Irani Cup match with an impressive performance on the second day at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha. After being dismissed for 342 in the morning session, the hosts consistently picked up wickets, leaving the favored Rest of India (RoI) struggling at 142 for five by the end of the day.

The day started with overnight centurion Atharva Taide seeking support from the lower order, but Vidarbha’s last five wickets managed only 62 additional runs. The innings concluded shortly after Taide, who had earlier executed a superb cover drive against Akash Deep, fell to Saransh Jain’s arm-ball.

Although Vidarbha’s batting concluded without much fanfare, their bowlers turned the tide decisively in their favor. Darshan Nalkande broke the 52-run opening partnership by trapping Aryan Juyal leg-before on a close call. While Abhimanyu Easwaran appeared stable as he reached a half-century, he was dismissed soon after, edging a delivery from left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade, which further set back RoI.

Earlier, Yash Dhull’s reckless attempt against Harsh Dubey resulted in a stumping. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who came in at No. 5, was tempted by Yash Thakur’s strategy of bowling short outside off, leading to a slice shot caught by Yash Rathod at deep third. Ishan Kishan, already having an unpleasant time as wicketkeeper on Day 1, was trapped lbw by Rekhade, putting RoI in a tougher position.

Skipper Rajat Patidar remained resilient, scoring an unbeaten 42 off 90 balls, including six boundaries, and will continue on the third morning alongside Manav Suthar. The lower order will need to work hard to bring RoI closer to Vidarbha’s total.

Earlier in the morning, RoI’s seamers momentarily seized control. Anshul Kamboj, Akash Deep, and Gurnoor Brar refined their line, aiming at the stumps with the second new ball, which proved rewarding.

However, as cloud cover forced an early conclusion to the day’s play, Vidarbha’s spinners ensured the hosts finished with a significant advantage, their precision and variation leaving RoI facing a challenging path to stay competitive.

Brief scores:
Vidarbha: 342 in 101.3 overs (Atharva Taide 143, Yash Rathod 91; Akash Deep 3/51, Manav Suthar 3/74)
Rest of India: 142/5 in 53 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 52, Rajat Patidar 42*; Parth Rekhade 2/24)

Published on October 2, 2025