Ranji Trophy Final Day 3: Kerala Fights Back, Trails Vidarbha by 42 Runs

February 28, 2025 | Nagpur: The Ranji Trophy final between Vidarbha and Kerala at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur remains finely poised after an intense third day of play. Kerala’s batting lineup displayed remarkable resilience as they fought against Vidarbha’s challenging first-innings total of 379, reaching 337/7 at stumps on Day 3. With just 42 runs separating the two teams, the contest is heading towards an exciting finish.

Resuming their innings at 131/3, Kerala depended heavily on Aditya Sarwate, who remained unbeaten on 66 at the end of Day 2. However, an early setback saw Sarwate dismissed after adding just six more runs to his overnight tally, falling to the disciplined bowling of Umesh Yadav. Kerala’s middle-order, however, stood firm, with Sanju Samson leading the resistance. The right-hander played a crucial knock of 82, keeping Kerala in the hunt as Vidarbha’s bowlers applied relentless pressure.

Kerala’s innings saw valuable contributions from Sachin Baby (47) and Vishnu Vinod (38), who kept the scoreboard ticking despite Vidarbha’s disciplined attack. The visitors’ lower order also played a significant role, with skipper Jalaj Saxena remaining unbeaten on 45, guiding Kerala closer to Vidarbha’s total.

Vidarbha’s bowlers toiled hard throughout the day, with Yash Thakur and Aditya Sarwate picking up crucial wickets. Thakur was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets, while Akshay Wakhare and Umesh Yadav chipped in with key breakthroughs. However, Kerala’s dogged batting display denied Vidarbha the opportunity to seize full control of the game.

Earlier, Vidarbha’s lower order played a crucial role in pushing their total to 379, with a vital 44-run stand between Harsh Dubey (24) and Nachiket Bhute (32) frustrating Kerala’s bowlers. Kerala’s pace attack, led by Nedumankuzhy Basil, MD Nidheesh, and Eden Apple Tom, had initially put the hosts on the back foot, but the lower-order resistance ensured Vidarbha reached a competitive total.

With just 42 runs separating the two teams, the Ranji Trophy final remains evenly poised heading into Day 4. Kerala will look to edge past Vidarbha’s total and gain a crucial first-innings lead, while Vidarbha will aim to wrap up the innings quickly and put themselves in a commanding position. The battle for domestic supremacy continues to intensify, promising more thrilling cricket in the days ahead.

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