Irani Cup 2025, Day 3 Review: Vidarbha maintain stranglehold on Rest of India despite Rajat Patidar's gritty half-century

Vidarbha took themselves into a position of strength on Day 3 of the Irani Cup 2025 clash against Rest of India at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Friday, October 3. They have taken a second-innings lead of 224 runs with eight wickets left in the tank. With two more days left in the contest, the Akshay Wadkar-led side could actually hope for an outright win.

Rest of India started Day 3 at 142/5, with captain Rajat Patidar and all-rounder Manav Suthar at the crease. Vidarbha were still ahead by 200 runs at that point. Aditya Thakare gave Vidarbha a dream start as he dismissed Suthar off the first ball of the day.

At 142/6, Rest of India were staring down the barrel. However, the lower-order batters and tailenders did well alongside Patidar, as Rest of India added 72 runs for the last four wickets. Patidar was the top-scorer, finishing with a 125-ball 66.

Rest of India were bowled out for 214 in reply to Vidarbha's 342 in the first innings. Having conceded a lead of 128 runs, Rest of India had their backs against the wall. Yash Thakur was the pick of the bowlers, ending with figures of 4/66 in 16.5 overs. Vidarbha openers Atharva Taide and Aman Mokhade blunted the new ball impressively.

Taide was sent packing by Suthar after having scored 15 off 43 balls. Mokhade showed a lot of patience during his 76-ball knock of 37. He was dismissed by Gurnoor Brar, with Ishan Kishan taking his fifth catch of the match.

After Mokhade's dismissal, Dhruv Shorey and Danish Malewar batted with caution and forged an unbeaten 32-run stand off 73 balls. While Shorey managed 24 not out, Malewar made 16. Vidarbha ended Day 3 with a second-innings lead of 224 and eight wickets left to spare.

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The morning session is going to be crucial on Day 4. Vidarbha will look to have a good partnership between Shorey and Malewar, which can frustrate the Rest of India bowlers.