Tag Archives: back-to-back

Vidarbha beat ROI to win third Irani Cup title

**Vidarbha Claim Third Irani Cup Title: Key Stats**

*By Parth Dhall | October 5, 2025, 6:11 PM*

Vidarbha, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, have added another feather to their cap by winning the prestigious Irani Cup. The team secured their third Irani Cup title after a commanding performance against the Rest of India (ROI) at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium, culminating in a dominating finish on Day 5.

**Bowling Brilliance Seals the Win**

Vidarbha’s five-man bowling attack operated in perfect harmony to bowl out ROI for 267 runs just before tea on Sunday. The star of the bowling lineup was Yash Thakur, whose double strike included the prized wicket of Yash Dhull, who scored a brilliant 92. Thakur’s incisive spells at crucial moments helped dismantle the opposition’s chase of 361 runs. In a fiery moment during play, Thakur and Dhull were engaged in a heated exchange, showcasing the intensity of the contest.

Harsh Dubey also played a pivotal role, taking a four-wicket haul at key junctures to stifle ROI’s chase effectively. His bowling performance was instrumental in ensuring a 93-run victory for Vidarbha, maintaining their dominant streak.

**Match Summary**

Vidarbha set a strong foundation batting first, posting 342 all out, thanks to a scintillating 143 from Atharva Taide and a solid 91 from Yash Rathod. ROI’s initial response saw them bundled out for 214, with Yash Thakur claiming four wickets.

In their second innings, Vidarbha were restricted to 232 all out, with Anshul Kamboj taking four wickets for ROI. Chasing a challenging target of 261 runs, ROI fell short at 267 all out, as Harsh Dubey’s four-wicket haul proved decisive.

**Perfect Record in Irani Cup**

With this victory, Vidarbha now boast a perfect record in the Irani Cup, having won all three editions they have competed in. Their previous back-to-back victories came in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. Meanwhile, the Rest of India side faced disappointment as runners-up for the 30th time in the tournament’s history.

Vidarbha’s consistent excellence in domestic cricket continues to make them a formidable force in Indian cricket’s premier competitions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/vidarbha-clinch-third-irani-cup-title/story

Premier League, Chelsea stun Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge: Stats

By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 05, 2025, 01:17 AM

**Chelsea Stun Liverpool with Last-Minute Winner from Estevao in Thrilling Premier League Clash**

In a thrilling Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, October 5, 2025, Chelsea stunned Liverpool with a dramatic last-minute winner from Estevao. The home side took the lead through Moises Caicedo in the first half, but Liverpool fought back with an equalizer from Cody Gakpo in the second. Ultimately, it was Estevao’s stoppage-time strike that sealed a memorable 2-1 victory for Chelsea.

### Match Highlights

**Caicedo Gives Chelsea the Lead**

The match began cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out before an exciting contest developed. Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Moises Caicedo unleashed a stunning long-range shot that hit the top left corner of the net.

Liverpool responded quickly, nearly equalizing in the 18th minute through Cody Gakpo, whose shot from the left flank was expertly blocked by the Chelsea defense.

**Second Half Drama**

Chelsea looked to extend their lead before the break, with Alejandro Garnacho’s effort rattling the post in the 38th minute. Liverpool’s Alexander Isak also had a golden chance just before halftime, but his header sailed over the crossbar.

The second half started with Liverpool on the front foot. Mohamed Salah came close to leveling the score when his strike hit the side netting, keeping the game finely poised.

Liverpool finally drew level in the 63rd minute when Alexander Isak provided a perfect assist for Gakpo, who finished clinically.

The match remained intense as both teams created opportunities, but it was Estevao who emerged as the hero in stoppage time. Scoring from a low cross delivered by Marc Cucurella in the 95th minute, Estevao’s winner sent the Stamford Bridge crowd into raptures. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca celebrated wildly on the touchline, delighted by the blow to the Premier League holders.

### Match Details and Stats

– Chelsea recorded 12 attempts with 6 shots on target.
– Liverpool managed 12 attempts but only 2 shots on target.
– In the opposition box, Chelsea had 22 shots compared to Liverpool’s 24.
– Chelsea held 53% possession while Liverpool had 47%.
– Chelsea earned 7 corners against Liverpool’s 2.

### Premier League Standings Update

Following this result, Liverpool sit 2nd in the Premier League with 15 points from 7 matches (W5 D0 L2). Chelsea are sixth with 11 points (W3 D2 L2).

### Opta Stats and Key Records

– Chelsea remain unbeaten in their last 5 Premier League matches against Liverpool (W2 D3).
– This marks Chelsea’s first victory over the Premier League holders since a 1-0 win at Anfield in March 2021.
– The Blues have recorded back-to-back league wins against Liverpool for the first time since November 2014.
– Liverpool are winless in their last 5 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge.
– This is Chelsea’s second successive league win against Liverpool at home.

Chelsea’s late drama not only delights their fans but also signals a potential shift in momentum in one of the Premier League’s most storied rivalries.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/chelsea-beat-liverpool-in-premier-league/story