Pacer Vidwath Kaverappa and left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar struck thrice each to give Rest of India the upper hand against Saurashtra in the Irani Cup in Rajkot on Monday.

At stumps on Day II at the Saurashtra Cricket Association, Rest of India reduced Saurashtra to 212/9 after their first innings ended at 308.

Saurashtra left-arm spinner Parth Bhut finished with a five-for after Rest of India resumed on 298/8. Thereafter, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions had a tough time as Rest of India bowlers gave little away.

Karnataka quick Kaverappa removed Saurashtra openers Harvik Desai and Chirag Jani inside the first three overs of their reply. Wobbling at 4/2, Saurashtra banked on Samarth Vyas (29) and Cheteshwar Pujara (29).

But off-spinner Pulkit Narang broke the stand, dismissing Pujara before Kumar removed both Vyas and Sheldon Jackson, leaving Saurashtra at 77 with half their side back in the pavilion. However, Arpit Vasavada (54) stood up once again, ensuring Rest of India didn’t run away with a huge lead.

Brief scores: Rest of India 308 (P. Bhut 5/94). Saurashtra 212/9 (A. Vasavada 54; V. Kaverappa 3/28, S. Kumar 3/64). At stumps, Day II.