In a compelling Ranji Trophy final, Vidarbha seized a crucial first-innings lead of 37 runs against Kerala. Kerala was bowled out for 342 on the third day of the match. Despite a valiant effort from Kerala’s captain, Sachin Baby, who scored a team-high 98 runs, his dismissal proved to be a turning point.
Kerala’s innings faltered dramatically, losing their last four wickets for a mere 18 runs, including the pivotal wicket of Baby. This collapse handed Vidarbha a potentially decisive lead in the Ranji Trophy final.
The collapse was initiated by Parth Rekhade, who claimed three of the final four wickets. Baby, tantalizingly close to a century, was caught at deep mid-wicket attempting a slog-sweep, triggering the slide. Rekhade further dented Kerala’s hopes by bowling the experienced Jalaj Saxena shortly after as he attempted a paddle sweep. The tail-end batsmen offered little resistance, bringing a disappointing end to what had largely been a positive day for Kerala.
Earlier in the day, Kerala had been holding steady, even after losing overnight batsman Aditya Sarwate for 79. Sachin Baby anchored the innings, starting the day with a confident boundary. Harsh Dubey, who is on track to break the record for most wickets in a Ranji season, made the initial breakthrough by dismissing Sarwate.
Baby then formed useful partnerships, first adding 49 runs with Salman Nizar before Nizar was dismissed LBW. Later, Mohammad Azharuddeen provided valuable support with a patient 34, contributing to a 59-run stand. This partnership was broken when Darshan Nalkande trapped Azharuddeen LBW. Baby and Saxena then added 46 runs before Baby’s crucial wicket shifted the momentum decisively in Vidarbha’s favor.
Brief Scores: Kerala 342 all out (Sachin Baby 98, Aditya Sarwate 79; Darshan Nalkande 3-52) trail Vidarbha 379 (Danish Malewar 154, Karun Nair 86; MD Nidheesh 3/61) by 37 runs.
