Nagpur, February 27 – Aditya Sarwate's resolute unbeaten 66 helped Kerala reach 131/3 at stumps on the second day of the Ranji Trophy final, trailing hosts Vidarbha by 248 runs after restricting them to 379 in the first innings.
Kerala displayed grit throughout the day, ensuring the contest remained balanced. Despite Vidarbha’s aspirations of posting a total around 450 after their strong start on Day 1 at 254/4, Kerala’s disciplined bowling effort curtailed them below the 400-run mark. Danish Malewar led Vidarbha’s charge with a career-best 153, while Karun Nair contributed 86.
Kerala’s Bowlers Strike Back
The visitors' bowling unit, spearheaded by MD Nidheesh (3/61), Eden Apple Tom (3/102), and NM Basil (2/60), made crucial breakthroughs early on the second day. Basil removed Malewar (153) with a delivery that snuck through the bat-pad gap, ending his composed 285-ball knock, which included 15 fours and three sixes.
Eden Apple Tom then produced a defining moment, dismissing in-form batter Yash Rathod for just three. His delivery, lacking express pace but offering enough movement, took the shoulder of Rathod’s bat and landed safely in the slips.
Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar (23) fell soon after, edging a delivery from Eden to wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen. Despite a late push from the lower order—Akshay Karnewar (12), Harsh Dubey (12*), and Nachiket Bhute (32)—Vidarbha was bowled out for 379 in 123.1 overs.
Sarwate Leads Kerala’s Fightback
In response, Vidarbha’s new-ball bowler Darshan Nalkande (2/22) struck early, dismissing Kerala openers Akshay Chandran (14) and Rohan Kunnummal (0), reducing the visitors to 14/2.
However, Sarwate, a former Vidarbha player and two-time Ranji Trophy winner with them, held firm against his old team. The 35-year-old remained unbeaten on 66 off 120 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries in a determined effort.
Sarwate’s crucial third-wicket stand with Ahammed Imran (37 off 83 balls) yielded 93 runs, offering Kerala stability. Both batters had moments of fortune—Sarwate survived an unnoticed caught-behind appeal, while Imran was given a reprieve when substitute fielder Atharva Taide dropped his catch in the slips.
Vidarbha eventually broke the partnership late in the day when Yash Thakur (1/45) dismissed Imran. After a mistimed pull shot, Thakur set him up again, this time drawing a similar error that resulted in a straightforward catch for substitute Aman Mokhade at midwicket.
Match Situation
With Sarwate still at the crease, Kerala will aim to close the deficit further on Day 3 and challenge Vidarbha’s advantage. The hosts, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on the early breakthroughs and restrict Kerala from gaining a significant first-innings total.
Brief Scores:
Vidarbha: 379 in 123.1 overs (Danish Malewar 153, Karun Nair 86; MD Nidheesh 3/61, Eden Apple Tom 3/101, NM Basil 2/60)
Kerala: 131/3 in 39 overs (Aditya Sarwate 66*, Ahammed Imran 37; Darshan Nalkande 2/22)
Vidarbha lead by 248 runs.
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