R Smaran hits unbeaten 126 for Rest of India in Irani Cup
R Smaran's unbeaten 126 helped Rest of India reach 306 for eight on day three of the Irani Cup, extending their lead to 265 runs.
R Smaran was 23 when he walked in at 130 for four on day three. Rest of India led Jammu and Kashmir by just 89 runs at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium. By close he had 126 not out from 131 balls, and the lead had grown to 265.
He and Mukesh Choudhary put on an unbroken 109 for the ninth wicket. Smaran hit 15 fours and five sixes while the left-hander kept the scoreboard moving through a long evening session.
Two wickets remain in the innings. National selectors Pragyan Ojha and Shiv Sundar Das watched from the stands.
CricHubb Take
Smaran's knock puts him back on the radar just as Karnataka prepare their Ranji squad, and the timing might matter more than the runs themselves.