Nagpur, Feb 27: Vidarbha endured a dramatic morning session, losing three quick wickets for just seven runs before staging a recovery to reach 373 for 9 at lunch on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy final against Kerala.
Resuming the day at 254 for 4, overnight centurion Danish Malewar was the first to fall, bowled by Nedumankuzhy Basil for a well-compiled 153 off 285 balls. His dismissal triggered a mini-collapse as Vidarbha slipped to 297 for 7 in quick succession.
However, crucial contributions from lower-order batters helped the team regain stability. Yash Thakur, starting the day on five, added 25 runs, while skipper Akshay Wadkar chipped in with 23. At lunch, Nachiket Bhute (28) and Harsh Dubey (10) were at the crease, looking to push the total further.
On the bowling front, Kerala's Eden Apple Tom was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 102, while MD Nidheesh and Basil took two wickets each.
Brief Scores:
Vidarbha 1st innings: 373/9 in 121 overs (Danish Malewar 153, Karun Nair 86; Eden Apple Tom 3/102).With Vidarbha looking to cross the 400-run mark, Kerala will aim to wrap up the innings quickly and take control of the match in their first essay.
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