Nagpur: Kerala's pace attack, led by Nedumankuzhy Basil, MD Nidheesh, and Eden Apple Tom, ensured they remained competitive on day two of the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha. By the end of the day, Kerala had scored 131 runs for the loss of three wickets, trailing Vidarbha's first innings total of 379 by 248 runs.
The day began with Vidarbha resuming their innings at 254 for 4. Despite some resistance from their lower order, Vidarbha was eventually bowled out for 379, with Danish Malewar top-scoring with 153 runs. His innings provided stability, but it was the late partnership between Harsh Dubey and Nachiket Bhute—a stand worth 44 runs for the final wicket—that pushed Vidarbha past the 350-run mark and frustrated Kerala's bowlers.
The innings featured aggressive stroke play from Vidarbha's overnight batters, with Yash Thakur and Malewar finding boundaries early. Nidheesh managed to extract swing but struggled initially alongside Apple Tom, who leaked runs. Basil provided the breakthrough, dismissing Malewar, and then trapped Thakur lbw shortly afterward.
Kerala’s bowlers faced some challenges but maintained their discipline. Apple Tom made his mark in the innings, taking out Vidarbha's top scorer, Yash Rathod, with careful precision, reducing the score to 297 for 7. Despite the pressure, Vidarbha's lower order resisted well, with Akshay Wadkar and Akshay Karnewar adding 36 runs before Karnewar fell, caught by Rohan Kunnummal.
The efforts of Bhute were particularly notable, as he struck two sixes off Jalaj Saxena, pushing Vidarbha past the challenging total. Eventually, Vidarbha's innings concluded at 379 when Nidheesh claimed Bhute's wicket.
Kerala then began their innings but not without difficulties. Darshan Nalkande’s fiery spell caught Kunnummal unprepared, dismissing him with delivery ricocheting onto the stumps before quickly getting the second wicket of Akshay Chandran. At just 4 for 2, Maryland Kerala faced immediate setbacks.
It was Aditya Sarwate, batting at No. 3, who steadied the innings alongside Ahammed Imran, forming a valuable 93-run partnership. Sarwate counterattacked beautifully, executing cover drives against Thakur's overpitched deliveries. Although Imran’s resistance ended when he fell to Thakur's bouncer for 37, Sarwate managed to bring relative stability, finishing the day unbeaten on 66.
Kerala ended the day at 131 for 3, with Sachin Baby supporting Sarwate at the crease on 7 not out. The match remained intriguingly poised, with both teams having showcased strong performances on the second day. Kerala's disciplined bowling had kept them within reach, evidenced by Nidheesh's 3 wickets for 61 runs and Apple Tom's contributions as well.
Kerala’s efforts mean they still have much work to do as they chase Vidarbha's total with Sarwate leading the way. With the scoreboard set at 131 for 3 at stumps, the next day of play will be pivotal as both teams look to assert their dominance.