Lucknow, Oct 3 (Reporter) Abhimanyu Easwaran played a sensational innings, scoring an unbeaten 151 runs, to lead the Rest of India in a spirited fightback against Mumbai’s massive first-innings total on Day 3 of the Irani Cup 2024 here on Thursday. After Mumbai set a daunting target of 537 runs, the Rest of India ended the day at 289 for 4, with Easwaran's century marking his 36th in First-Class cricket, and his fourth in the last five matches. The Rest of India’s innings got off to a shaky start as captain Ruturaj Gaikwad fell early, scoring just 9 runs off 27 balls, with Mohammed June Khan claiming the vital wicket. However, Easwaran, in excellent form, found a solid partner in Sai Sudharsan, and the duo put together an impressive 83-run partnership for the second wicket. Sudharsan looked poised for a significant score but was dismissed by spinner Tanush Kotian after contributing 32 runs. Easwaran continued to dominate the Mumbai attack, scoring at a brisk pace with 12 boundaries and one six, displaying remarkable composure and technique. In contrast, Karnataka batsman Devdutt Padikkal struggled to build on his recent Duleep Trophy success, managing only 16 runs before falling to the experienced pacer Mohit Avasthi. Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan batted ahead of Dhruv Jurel, showing signs of returning to form with a score of 38 runs off 60 balls. However, Avasthi continued to trouble the Rest of India’s batting lineup, dismissing both Kishan and Padikkal to keep Mumbai's hopes alive. Easwaran found a solid ally in Jurel as they added an unbeaten 61 runs for the fifth wicket, putting Rest of India back on track. With just two days left in the match, the contest remains tantalisingly poised, as the team with the most runs in the first innings looks set to take home the Irani Cup trophy. As Day 3 concluded, all eyes will be on Easwaran as he aims to convert his innings into a match-defining score, ensuring a thrilling finish to this prestigious fixture...////...