Atharva Taide's Century Anchors Vidarbha in Irani Cup Opener

In Nagpur on October 1, opener Atharva Taide seized the opportunities handed to him, crafting an unbeaten century to guide Vidarbha to a total of 280 for five against Rest of India on the opening day of their Irani Cup clash. The match unfolded on Wednesday, where Vidarbha, after a shaky start, relied heavily on Taide's solid performance.

Taide concluded the day on 118 not out off 240 deliveries, with substantial support from Yash Rathod, who contributed a vital 91 from 153 balls, hitting six fours and a six in the process. The duo's impressive partnership came about after Vidarbha found themselves in early trouble.

Initially, the Ranji Trophy champions got off to a brisk start, scoring 40 without loss within seven overs, only to falter to 80 for three shortly thereafter. Taide faced an early scare when pacer Akash Deep bowled him on the first ball of the second over. The delivery, however, was declared a no-ball, granting Taide a reprieve.

Despite not being at his peak, Deep managed to dismiss Aman Mokhade for 19, with an edge safely pouched by wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan upon a successful review prompted by skipper Rajat Patidar. In another dramatic moment, Deep's delivery barely missed earning Taide's wicket in the 10th over, with later replays suggesting an inside edge. Further tension arose as Anshul Kamboj nearly had Taide caught at the first slip in the 11th over; however, the catch was shown to be unclean after replays.

Dhruv Shorey, although dropped by Kishan in the 22nd over, couldn't capitalize, falling soon after to left-arm spinner Manav Suthar. Suthar struck again, dismissing Danish Malewar for a duck, leaving Vidarbha struggling at 80 for three.

This critical juncture saw Taide and Rathod forming a resolute 184-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilizing Vidarbha's innings significantly. Although they seemed firmly in control, the Rest of India's bowlers reasserted themselves.

Rathod fell short of a century, attempting a heave off Suthar in the 74th over, only to miscue it to Gurnoor Brar. Akshay Wadkar, involved in the leadership alongside Taide, could manage only a brief 11-run partnership before Vidarbha slipped to 275 for five. Rest of India's bowlers, particularly Akash Deep with 2/35 and Manav Suthar claiming 3/64, made notable contributions to the field's proceedings.

Brief scores: Vidarbha 280/5 in 84 overs (Atharva Taide 118 not out, Yash Rathod 91; Akash Deep 2/35, Manav Suthar 3/64) vs Rest of India. Reported by