Irani Cup Day 3: Vihari, Rahane battle Vidarbha after Akshay Karnewar hundred

Hanuma Vihari followed up his first innings 114 with a 40 not out in the second as Rest of India finished Day 3 at 102 for 2, leading Vidarbha by 7 runs at stumps. But the day really belonged to Akshay Karnewar whose maiden first-class hundred had helped Vidarbha get the crucial first innings lead on Thursday.

Vidarbha needed a special effort from Akshay Karnewar to get them a 95-run lead in the first innings after they had been reduced to 305 for 7 following Rest of India's first innings 330. Rahul Chahar led a spirited bowling effort for Rest of India with a four-wicket haul.

However, Akshay Karnewar stood out with a gritty knock. Known for his ability to bowl with both hands, Karnewar guided the lower order expertly to keep Ranji champions Vidarbha well and truly in the match.

Karnewar was eventually dismissed for 102 with Vidarbha getting bowled out for 425 in their first innings. Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Krishnappa Gowtham and Ankit Rajpoot bagged two wickets each to back up Chahar's four-wicket haul for ROI.

Aditya Sarwate and Wakhare then struck early to remove Rest of India openers Anmolpreet Singh and Mayank Agarwal. But Hanuma Vihari and skipper Ajinkya Rahane arrested the slide and put Rest of India ahead with a solid partnership.

Vihari will resume his innings on 40 while Rahane will resume on 25 on the fourth day.

The last two days promise to provide some enthralling cricket between two very good sides. It would also allow Vihari another chance to present his case to the Indian selectors as a reliable batsman in Test cricket.

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