Abhimanyu Easwaran didn’t back down. He scored an unbeaten 151, helping the Rest of India team stay in the game. The end of the third day of the Irani Cup in Lucknow saw them at a promising 289 for 4. But Mumbai put up a pretty formidable first innings with a score of 537. So, even with Easwaran’s efforts, the Rest of India team finds themselves in a tight spot. They’re trailing by a huge 248 runs.
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Mumbai’s Dominant First Innings
Mumbai kicked off day three at 536 for 9, aiming to add to their hefty scoring. However, only one more run was added before Mukesh Kumar dismissed Mohammad Juned Khan, marking a fine 5 for 110. This wrapped up Mumbai’s batting, Sarfaraz Khan still standing with a notable 222*. His efforts established a solid base for Mumbai’s commendable score. Sarfaraz’s relentless play, teamed with Ajinkya Rahane’s 97, comfortably placed Mumbai in the driver’s seat. His vital performance steadied Mumbai through the innings, driving them past the 500-run boundary, a total RoI must now rise to meet.
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RoI’s Challenging Start and Stabilization
The RoI team kicked off on unstable ground, faced with an intimidating score to beat. With Shardul Thakur from Mumbai under the weather, the squad switched to spin in the early innings. Mohammad Juned Khan broke the ice, sending RoI’s lead, Ruturaj Gaikwad, back to the bench with only 15 runs. Caught off-guard at second slip, RoI were in hot water at 40. But, Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan put the state of play back on track.
An 87-run duo for the second wicket saved the day. Sudharsan showed promise but fell short, dismissed leg-before by Tanush Kotian for 32 after the meal break. This sent the team into a tailspin, with Devdutt Padikkal (16) and Ishan Kishan (38) heading home for a low score. Mohit Avasthi took center-stage in these crucial moments, trapping both Padikkal and Kishan with the keeper’s catch.
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Easwaran’s Gritty Century
In the face of repeated wicket losses, Easwaran remained confident, delivering a calm and well-timed performance. His century was achieved in just 117 balls, even though boundaries didn’t contribute much—only 38 of his runs were fours. The skill Easwaran showed in shifting the strike and holding his position in the crease played a key role in stabilizing RoI’s play. After hitting his hundred, Easwaran decelerated a bit, focusing instead on preserving his wicket while RoI strived to bounce back from their shaky start. His cool demeanor on the crease was enhanced by Dhruv Jurel, who helped keep the score moving along with a quick 30* off 41 balls. The pair contributed a steady 61 for the fifth wicket before play ended for the day, ensuring RoI ended the day at 289 for 4, still trailing Mumbai by 248 runs.
The Road Ahead for RoI
The match carries on, but with a single day remaining, RoI’s task is not easy. To rival Mumbai’s initial score of 537, they’ll need extra steps up. Easwaran’s performance has shone for RoI, yet to narrow the gap, every player needs to contribute. Easwaran’s robust 150* provides hope for RoI – a lot now hinges on his and Jurel’s tactics for day four. The field favors spin bowlers, meaning Mumbai’s strong bowlers pose a threat. RoI’s strategy? Play safe, collaborate and form partnerships.
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Conclusion
Day three of the Irani Cup 2024 saw excellent performances from both Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran. With Sarfaraz’s stunning score of 222 not out, Mumbai reached a massive total of 537. However, Easwaran’s commendable 151 not out gives RoI a glimmer of hope in a game that’s currently leaning more towards Mumbai. RoI is behind by 248 runs and has only six wickets left. Their performance in the upcoming fourth day is critical to the match’s final result. Although Mumbai maintains its command over the match, Easwaran’s determination indicates it’s not over yet. Stay tuned to our sports feed for the latest updates and analysis on the Irani Cup and all things cricket.
