Irani Cup 2024-25: Abhimanyu Easwaran shines bright on Day 3 to pose fight Mumbaikers

Resumption on Day 3 of the Irani Cup 2024-25 meant that Mumbai could add only a run from their overnight score of 536 for 9 to get bundled out. Star batter Sarfaraz Khan went back to the dressing room without being dismissed, on a monumental score of 222. Mohammed Junaid Khan was the last batter to get out, as Mukesh Kumar completed a superb five-wicket haul, giving away 110 runs across 30 overs.

Once the second innings began, the Abhimanyu Easwaran show was put up on display by the young batter. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad edged one to second slip, where Prithvi Shaw took a sharp catch, which called for the arrival of lefty batter Sai Sudharsan, who made 32, but more importantly, put up an 87-run stand with Easwaran. The 29-year-old reached his milestone three-figure mark, reaching there in just 117 balls, hitting eight boundaries and a six in the process.

After Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal joined the well-set Easwaran, but couldn't stay there longer. Mohit Avasthi got the better of Padikkal, and struck once again to break the 70-run partnership between Ishan Kishan (38) and Easwaran. Fall of stumper-batter Kishan meant that another one, Dhruv Jurel, joined the party. Not taking too much time to compile runs, Jurel hit four boundaries and a six in his unbeaten 30 off 41 at Stumps.

Meanwhile, the opener is still strong, reaching yet another milestone, and will resume his batting from 151 on the penultimate day of the premier competition.

Speaking of Mumbai's bowlers, they kept striking at regular intervals once Gaikwad was dismissed by Mohammed Juned Khan, which also marked his maiden wicket in first-class cricket. Off-spinner Kotian has also taken a wicket in the form of Sudharsan, while Avasthi had scalped a couple at the end of day's play. Shardul Thakur, on the other hand, could not play due to a fever leading to hospitalization, and is hopeful of taking the field tomorrow.

Also Read: Irani Cup 2024: Shardul Thakur gets discharged from hospital post battling high fever

Currently, Rest of India are behind by a margin of 248 runs, and a lot would depend on the unbeaten duo to minimize the trail, and a lead would be cherry on top.