Yashasvi Jaiswal mauled Madhya Pradesh (MP) into submission with another near-flawless hundred as Rest of India remained favourites to retain the Irani Cup at the end of the fourth day’s play here on Saturday.
Jaiswal, who struck a sublime 213 in the first innings, scored 144 out of his team’s second innings total of 246, setting the hosts a tough target of 437. At stumps on the penultimate day, MP were 81/2, needing another 356 on the final day to win.
However, with the kind of bowling resources at Rest of India’s disposal, it will be close to a miracle if MP go on to win the game. The going hasn’t been easy for MP in their second innings.
Rookie Arham Aquil was once again dismissed by Mukesh Kumar, this time with a delivery that jagged back to trap the left-hander plumb in front. Mukesh has so far bowled with a fair amount of discipline in the game.
In MP’s first innings, the Bengal pace spearhead struck twice, conceding only 44 runs in 23 overs. On Saturday, Mukesh gave away 16 off his seven overs. MP’s senior batsman Shubham Sharma had a forgettable game as he was bowled for only 13 by left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar. MP captain Himanshu Mantri is still at the crease on 51.
The day, though, belonged to Jaiswal once again. The left-handed batsman, hitting 16 fours and three sixes in the second essay, now has nine centuries in 15 first-class games.
Brief scores: RoI 484 & 246 (Y. Jaiswal 144). MP 294 & 81/2 (H. Mantri 51 batting; M. Kumar 1/16). At stumps, Day IV.
Written with PTI inputs
