Vidarbha maintained a firm grip on the Irani Cup final, setting Rest of India a challenging target of 361 runs before reducing them to 30 for two in 12 overs, as rain led to an early end on the fourth day, Saturday.

Starting the day at 96 for two, the Ranji Trophy champions were all out for 232 in 94.1 overs. However, a useful first-innings lead of 128 runs provided the hosts with a significant buffer to put RoI on the defensive.

Seamer Anshul Kamboj delivered a superb three-wicket burst in successive overs, shaking Vidarbha early on. He dismissed overnight batter Danish Malewar (16) with the second ball of the day, then took out Yash Rathod (five) in his next over and trapped opener Dhruv Shorey (27) lbw, reducing Vidarbha to 105/5 just five overs into the fourth morning.

Captain Aksha

See Full Page