Vidarbha Rallies Against Kerala to Secure Ranji Trophy Victory
Vidarbha showcased resilience and determination to overcome Kerala's challenge, led by standout performances from Danish Malewar and Darshan Nalkande during the second day of the Ranji Trophy final held at VCA Stadium, Nagpur. After being bowled out for 379, Vidarbha put pressure on Kerala as Darshan Nalkande's two early wickets helped reduce them to 57 for 2 at the tea interval.
On the first day, Vidarbha had suffered early setbacks, collapsing to 24 for 3. Malewar, the star of the match, rescued the innings with his impressive 153 runs, supported by Karun Nair's solid 86. The duo added 215 runs for the fourth wicket, exhibiting remarkable composure against Kerala's bowling attack, particularly the spin duo of Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate, who were unable to make significant impacts.
The second day began well for Kerala's bowlers. They managed to limit Vidarbha's run flow initially, with Eden Apple Tom and MD Nidheesh claiming key wickets. Despite losing Malewar early on day two, Vidarbha's tail-enders contributed valuable runs to push their total to 379.
After Vidarbha's innings concluded, Kerala struggled during their response. Nalkande's aggressive bowling led to two quick dismissals, catching the Kerala batsmen off guard. Rohit Kunnummal, who had just joined the crease, was bowled by Nalkande with only three balls faced, adding to Kerala’s troubles. Kerala's hopes rested when Ahammed Imran and Aditya Sarwate formed a partnership to stabilize the innings.
Currently, at 57 for 2, Kerala trailed Vidarbha by 322 runs at the conclusion of the second day's play. Imran was batting on 10 and Sarwate on 31, both aware of the steep climb to overtake Vidarbha's initial score. Meanwhile, Vidarbha’s bowlers will look to capitalize on their early success to secure the title.
Key Performances: Danish Malewar's stellar hundred was the highlight of the first day, with the left-handed batsman showing exceptional skill and steadiness under pressure. His 153 came off 285 balls, including 15 boundaries and three sixes. On the bowling front, Darshan Nalkande was the pick, taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs, emphasizing Vidarbha's strength with the ball.
Next Steps: The coming sessions will prove pivotal for both teams; Vidarbha will aim to dismantle Kerala’s fragile batting lineup, whereas Kerala must remain resilient if they are to mount any challenge. This clash not only highlights individual performances but also epitomizes the spirit of competitive cricket. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling Ranji Trophy final continues to unravel.