Nagpur, February 28: Vidarbha's left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey created history on Friday, matching the record for the most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season, as Kerala reached 219 for 5 at lunch on Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy final.
Dubey struck twice in the morning session to elevate his wicket tally to 68, joining an elite club in Ranji Trophy history. His crucial breakthroughs ensured Kerala could add only 88 runs from nearly 32 overs, losing two vital wickets in the process.
Kerala's overnight batter, Aditya Sarwate, departed after scoring a gritty 79, caught neatly at first slip off Dubey's bowling in the 56th over. Dubey then further dented Kerala's progress, trapping Salman Nizar (21) leg-before just before lunch.
At the interval, Kerala captain Sachin Baby was holding the innings together with an unbeaten 52, attempting to consolidate and reduce the deficit. Kerala still trail Vidarbha by 160 runs in their first innings.
Earlier in the match, Vidarbha had posted a strong total of 379, courtesy of a brilliant 153 by Danish Malewar and an impressive 86 from Karun Nair. Kerala bowlers MD Nidheesh (3/61) and Eden Apple Tom (3/101) were their most successful bowlers.
Dubey struck twice in the morning session to elevate his wicket tally to 68, joining an elite club in Ranji Trophy history. His crucial breakthroughs ensured Kerala could add only 88 runs from nearly 32 overs, losing two vital wickets in the process.
Kerala's overnight batter, Aditya Sarwate, departed after scoring a gritty 79, caught neatly at first slip off Dubey's bowling in the 56th over. Dubey then further dented Kerala's progress, trapping Salman Nizar (21) leg-before just before lunch.
At the interval, Kerala captain Sachin Baby was holding the innings together with an unbeaten 52, attempting to consolidate and reduce the deficit. Kerala still trail Vidarbha by 160 runs in their first innings.
Earlier in the match, Vidarbha had posted a strong total of 379, courtesy of a brilliant 153 by Danish Malewar and an impressive 86 from Karun Nair. Kerala bowlers MD Nidheesh (3/61) and Eden Apple Tom (3/101) were their most successful bowlers.
Brief Scores:
- Vidarbha: 379 in 123.1 overs (Danish Malewar 153, Karun Nair 86; MD Nidheesh 3/61, Eden Apple Tom 3/101)
- Kerala: 219/5 in 70.4 overs (Aditya Sarwate 79, Sachin Baby 52 batting; Darshan Nalkande 2/39, Harsh Dubey 2/42)
