Vidarbha clinches Ranji Trophy title on first-innings lead

Nagpur

Vidarbha secured their third Ranji Trophy title after taking a decisive first-innings lead against Kerala in the final at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday.

Vidarbha last won the title in the 2018-19 season and ended this edition in dominant fashion. They were 375/9 in their second innings, holding a massive 412-run lead when both teams agreed to conclude the match. Their first-innings lead of 37 runs proved crucial in securing the championship.

Danish Malewar played a pivotal role, scoring 153 runs in the first innings to steer Vidarbha out of early trouble at 24/3. Karun Nair contributed with 86 runs, helping Vidarbha post 379/10. On the bowling front, Harsh Dubey, Parth Rekhade, and Darshan Nalkande took three wickets each, restricting Kerala to 342.

In the second innings, Malewar and Nair built on their strong performances, stitching a 182-run stand for the third wicket. Malewar made 73, while Nair went on to score 135, his ninth century of the season. Darshan Nalkande (51) and Akshay Karnewar (30) added valuable late runs.

Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar expressed his joy, highlighting the team’s preparation after last season’s final loss. He praised key performers, including Yash Rathod and Malewar, and emphasized the team's resilience in clinching the prestigious title.

Player of the Match

Danish Malewar for scoring 226 runs in the final

Player of the Tournament honors

Harsh Dubey, who took 69 wickets and scored 476 runs