Sachin Baby’s Unbeaten 82 Keeps Kerala in the Fight Against Vidarbha in Ranji Trophy Final

Nagpur, February 28 – Kerala’s Sachin Baby played a crucial knock, remaining unbeaten on 82, as he led a strong resistance against Vidarbha on the third day of the Ranji Trophy final. By tea, Kerala had reached 298 for six, still trailing the hosts by 81 runs at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

Vidarbha’s Darshan Nalkande (3/52) claimed the only wicket of the session, dismissing the in-form Mohammed Azharuddeen for 34. Despite this, Kerala managed to stay in contention, thanks to Baby’s composed innings.

Earlier, Vidarbha posted a formidable 379 in their first innings, powered by Danish Malewar’s impressive 153 and a solid 86 from Karun Nair. For Kerala, MD Nidheesh (3/61) and Eden Apple Tom (3/101) were the standout bowlers.

With Kerala still 81 runs behind, much will depend on Baby and the lower order to bridge the deficit and challenge Vidarbha’s dominance in this closely contested final.

Brief Scores:​

• Vidarbha 1st innings: 379 all out in 123.1 overs (Danish Malewar 153, Karun Nair 86; MD Nidheesh 3/61, Eden Apple Tom 3/101).
• Kerala 1st innings: 298/6 in 99 overs (Sachin Baby 82* batting, Aditya Sarwate 79, Mohammed Azharuddeen 34; Darshan Nalkande 3/52, Harsh Dubey 2/72).