Irani Cup 2008: Second Day Report

Delhi batsmen failed to capitalize on the advantage given by their bowlers as Delhi’s first innings got wrapped up within 177 runs on the second day of the Irani Cup 2008. With excellent bowling from Rest of India bowlers, spearheaded by pacer Munaf Patel, Rest of India took a small by crucial 75-run lead in the first innings and at the end of the day Rest of India batsmen could extend the lead up to 174, losing the wicket of opener Wasim Jaffer as Rest of India’s second innings reached 99 for 1 at stamps.

Except opener Aakash Chopra and Captain Virender Sehwag, no other batsman could play well. Aakash Chopra scored 42, while Sehwag could reach 43 runs. Wicketkeeper Puneet Bisht scored 28, while pacer Sangwan scored 23, but all went in veil as other batsmen could not support them well. All of the Rest of India bowlers performed well. Munaf Patel picked up four wickets, while Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh got two wickets each.

Rest of India openers got a good start as they put on 44 runs for the first wicket partnership before Wasim Jaffer fell on 21 off Sangwan. However, Dravid and Badrinath remained not on 34 and 33 respectively, taking their second innings score to 99 for 1. With 175-run lead and nine wickets at hand, Rest of India seems to be in the driving seat. If Delhi bowlers can not do exceptionally well, then the seemingly victory for Rest of India will be materialized.

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Irani Cup 2008: First Day Review

The five-day match of Irani Cup 2009 has begun today at the Reliance Stadium, Vadodara between Delhi and Rest of India. Rest of India captain Anil Kumble won the toss and elected to bat first. However, his batsmen failed to justify his decision being bundled out on 252 in the first innings. Delhi openers remained undefeated putting on 16 runs at stumps.

Rest of India got off to a good start when their openers put on 77 runs for the first wicket partnership. Wasim Jaffer got out just after reaching his 50, while Rahul Dravid scored 46 before becoming the first dismissal of the Ishant Sharma who later picked up two more wickets for Delhi. However, the middle order batsmen failed to capitalize on the solid base proved by the opening pair. Subramaniam Badrinath, VVS Laxman, wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni failed to make big score, but Mohammad Kaif tried to build the innings. However, he also failed to make his 29 bigger, while in the lower order Harbhajan Singh played a crucial innings of 26 not out. Rest of India’s first innings reached the 250 mark thanks to small but important contributions from Rudra Pratap Singh and Munaf Patel, who scored 18 and 19 respectively.

For Delhi, Ishant Sharma and Pradeep Sangwan picked up three wickets each. Teenage left arm pacer Pradeep Sangwan impressed with his excellent bowling against some of the most experienced batsman of India. Delhi got to bat 5 overs today with Aakash Chopra and Gautam Gambhir batting on for 16 and 4 respectively as Delhi’s first innings reached at 21 without losing any wicket.

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Irani Trophy 2008: Delhi vs Rest of India Latest Update

Day 2

Delhi is 131/5 (40 Overs). Delhi is batting. 

Rest of India is 252/10 in the first innings

End of Day 1

Rest of India 252

Delhi 21/0 

Rest of India is 229/9 from 78.5 Overs. 

Irani Trophy 2008 started today. You know that it is a neglected tournament in Indian cricket calendar hardly anyone seems to care. Anyway, Rest of India today won the toss and decided to bat first. This is the first day and play is going on at this moment. Rest of India has scored 167/4 after 61 overs. Kaif and Dhoni are batting at this moment. Earlier Wasim Jaffer scored 50 runs and Rahul Dravid got 46 runs. Ishant Sharma has taken 2 wickets for Delhi. So, the match looks to be evenly poised at this moment. No team is dominating. Let us see what happens tomorrow.   

Irani Trophy 2008: Delhi v Rest of India Preview

It is a very big competition in Indian cricket but because it is a domestic competition that is why many people are not that much interested about it. Irani Trophy has a long tradition but unfortunately, it is neglected by the media and the people. You will not see Full house crowd in the stadium and even big TV channels will not come and spend a lot of money in promoting it. Even in the most popular website about cricket, you will not find a lot of information. The only thing I could find is: Delhi v Rest of India, Irani Trophy, Vadodara High stakes in star-filled contest

Still, you have to agree with me that something is better than nothing. So, you’ve got something and read it.