Vidarbha strengthened their hold on the Irani Cup by gaining a first-innings lead of 128 and extending it to 224 against Rest of India by the end of day three at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, on Friday.

Starting the day at 142 for 5 in response to Vidarbha’s 342, Rest of India faced an early setback when Aditya Thakare struck with the day’s first ball. Manav Suthar was trapped lbw, with Vidarbha successfully overturning the umpire’s not-out decision on review.

Yash Thakur dominated the morning session with two quick wickets, bowling Saransh Jain with a searing yorker before sending back Akash Deep, who was caught at cover.

Rest of India skipper Rajat Patidar, who resumed on 42, fought valiantly with a fluent knock that included ten boundaries. He reached 66 b

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