Nagpur, Feb 28 – Vidarbha edged ahead in a gripping Ranji Trophy final against Kerala, securing a crucial 37-run first-innings lead on the third day. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey etched his name in the record books by becoming the highest wicket-taker in a single Ranji Trophy season, surpassing Bihar’s Ashutosh Aman’s 2018-19 tally of 68 wickets.
Dubey’s remarkable feat came as he finished with figures of 3/88, taking his tally to 69 wickets this season. His milestone moment arrived when he trapped MD Nidheesh leg-before, following earlier dismissals of Aditya Sarwate and Salman Nizar.
Sachin Baby’s Valiant 98 in Vain
Kerala captain Sachin Baby led the charge with a fighting 98, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century. His resilient innings saw him forge crucial partnerships, including a 63-run stand with Sarwate (79) for the fourth wicket and valuable contributions with Salman Nizar (21) and Mohammed Azharuddeen (34).However, Kerala’s middle order failed to capitalize on their starts, with Nizar and Azharuddeen falling leg-before to Dubey and Darshan Nalkande (3/52), respectively.
Baby, who had anchored Kerala’s innings throughout the day, fell to an ambitious charge against Parth Rekhade (3/65), holing out to Karun Nair at deep midwicket. His dismissal left Kerala still 50 runs behind Vidarbha’s first-innings total of 379.
Vidarbha Holds Firm Despite Attritional Play
With Kerala bowled out for 342 in 125 overs, Vidarbha’s disciplined bowling unit, led by Dubey, Nalkande, and Rekhade, ensured they held onto the edge. Kerala’s approach appeared cautious, managing only 211 runs on the day, which ultimately fell short of surpassing Vidarbha’s first-innings total.Earlier, Vidarbha’s innings was anchored by Danish Malewar’s 153 and Karun Nair’s 86, with MD Nidheesh (3/61) and Eden Apple Tom (3/101) leading Kerala’s bowling attack.
As the match heads into the final days, Vidarbha will look to consolidate their advantage, while Kerala will need a spirited comeback to turn the contest in their favor.
Brief Scores:
Vidarbha – 379 in 123.1 overs (Danish Malewar 153, Karun Nair 86; MD Nidheesh 3/61, Eden Apple Tom 3/101)Kerala – 342 in 125 overs (Aditya Sarwate 79, Sachin Baby 98; Darshan Nalkande 3/52, Harsh Dubey 3/88, Parth Rekhade 3/65)
Vidarbha leads by 37 runs.
