Vidarbha Clinch Third Ranji Trophy Title After Thrilling Final Against Kerala
Author: Joy Sarcar
Updated At:
Vidarbha secured their third Ranji Trophy title in dramatic fashion, overcoming Kerala in a thrilling encounter at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. In front of nearly 3,000 passionate home supporters, Akshay Wadkar's side showcased resilience and tactical brilliance, grinding Kerala down over five sessions in the second innings to emerge as champions.
Vidarbha's First-Innings Grit Sets the Stage
Batting first, Vidarbha posted 379 runs, led by an outstanding 153 from Danish Malewar and a crucial 86 from Karun Nair. Kerala responded with 342, with Sachin Baby narrowly missing out on a century, falling for 98. Aditya Sarwate played a pivotal role, contributing with both bat and ball, scoring 79 and picking up 4-96. The battle for the first-innings lead was intense, and Vidarbha edged ahead, setting the foundation for their eventual triumph.
Key Turning Points in the Final
Kerala had their opportunities, but small moments turned the tide in Vidarbha’s favor. Baby’s dismissal just short of his century proved costly, while missed chances, including Akshay Chandran’s drop of Nair in the second innings, added to their woes. Additionally, a crucial DRS reprieve for Malewar prevented further damage when Vidarbha had lost early wickets.
Despite these setbacks, Kerala remained in the contest. Early on the final day, they struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Nair for 135 and Harsh Dubey for a low score. With the pitch offering turn and variable bounce, Kerala’s bowlers saw a glimmer of hope. However, Vidarbha’s lower order, led by the resilient Akshay Karnewar (30) and Darshan Nalkande (50*), frustrated Kerala, consuming valuable time and effectively shutting out any realistic chance of a run chase.
Vidarbha’s Stonewalling Strategy Pays Off
By the time both teams decided to call off play at 2:20 PM, Vidarbha had reached 375/9 in their second innings, leaving Kerala with no chance of forcing a result. The moment marked the culmination of a season of dominance, as Vidarbha, alongside Mumbai, registered the joint-most wins this season before sealing the title in classic, hard-nosed fashion.
Karun Nair was the star of the final, scoring a vital century in the second innings after narrowly missing out in the first due to a mix-up with Malewar. The team’s success, however, was built on collective effort. Yash Rathod finished as the season’s highest run-scorer, while Dubey etched his name in history with the most wickets in a single Ranji season. Parth Rekhade’s crucial spell in the semi-final against Mumbai and Dhruv Shorey’s adaptability in a new setup also played vital roles in Vidarbha’s campaign.
A Painful But Promising End for Kerala
For Kerala, the loss was heartbreaking, but the experience of playing in their first Ranji Trophy final will serve as invaluable learning. Coach Amay Khurasiya, visibly emotional, took a piece of the pitch as a keepsake, symbolizing the significance of the journey for his team.
Despite the heartbreak, Kerala’s spirited run in the tournament displayed their growing stature in domestic cricket. With players like Baby, Chandran, and Sarwate showing immense promise, Kerala will look to build on this performance in future seasons.
Vidarbha’s latest triumph reinforces their status as a rising powerhouse in Indian domestic cricket. Their disciplined and determined approach throughout the season, combined with their ability to seize crucial moments, proved decisive. In a tournament where margins often define success, Vidarbha found ways to stay ahead, making them deserving champions once again.
With the domestic season wrapped up, cricket fans will now turn their attention to upcoming international fixtures, eagerly watching out for players who have made an impact in the Ranji Trophy. As betting enthusiasts analyze the performance of emerging stars, they will be keen to find the best cricket betting odds for future tournaments.
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