Rest of India, propelled by contrasting centuries by Shikhar Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane, dominated the first day's play against a ragged Rajasthan in the Irani Cup here on Saturday. Rest, electing to bat, was 400 for three at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here.
Dhawan was the star of the day with a performance that confirmed his potential to excel in the big league. Of course, his dismissal to a swipe also reconfirmed his impetuous nature at the crease when going strong. Dhawan's knock of 177 was well supported by Rahane's workmanlike unbeaten 117.
For Rahane, the platform was tailor-made and he made the most of it too. A compact batsman, with an emphasis on correct technique, the Mumbai youngster responded with an innings that had quality written all over it. His century, 18th in first-class, consolidated the good work by Dhawan, who produced his 11th first-class century in an entertaining show of power-packed shots.
Wayward attack
Rajasthan suffered on two fronts. The seam attack went to pieces despite encouraging conditions and then Dhawan's form multiplied the home team's woes. The pitch had a tinge of green but the Rest batsmen were hardly put to discomfort by Rajasthan's wayward attack.
For Rajasthan skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar it was a challenge to ensure his bowlers bowled to the field, particularly Deepak Chahar, who was a disappointment. Chahar sprayed the ball and Dhawan sent him to all corners. Runs came at a brisk pace and gradually the game drifted away from Rajasthan, leaving Rest in firm control.
Superb touch
Abhinav Mukund, a trifle over-circumspect, played on but Dhawan and Rahane added 190 runs for the second wicket. The Delhi left-hander was in irrepressible form, shining with a wide range of shots. The sweep and cut came with the same dexterity that marked some stunning drives, in front and square.
Dhawan toyed with the bowling, racing to his first fifty off 51 balls, 100 off 119 and 150 off 151. He earned a ‘life' (he was on 80) when Chahar grassed him at fine-leg off Aniket Choudhary but he thrived on his aggressive instincts. Dhawan's 165-ball innings, curtailed by an innocuous ball, contained 32 fours and a six.
Rahane guided Rest with a flawless demonstration that reflected his ability to carry the innings. His unbeaten 117 off 212 balls (12x4, 1x6) should give Rajasthan a sleepless night. The home team had nothing worthy to remember from the day's play.
The scores:
Rest — 1st innings: A. Mukund b Mathur 18, S. Dhawan b Khatri 177, A. Rahane (batting) 117, M. Pandey lbw b Choudhary 16, P. Patel (batting) 55; Extras (b-4, lb-2, nb-9, w-2): 17; Total (for three wkts. in 90 overs): 400.
Fall of wickets: 1-77, 2-267, 3-287.
Rajasthan bowling: Chahar 21-2-120-0, Choudhary 17-1-73-1, Mathur 18-3-65-1, Khatri 28-2-110-1, Menaria 1-0-10-0, Bisht 5-0-16-0.
