Follow UsVidarbha capped off their stellar run in the 2024/25 season of the Ranji Trophy by lifting their third title after defeating Kerala on the basis of first innings lead.
Kerala, who were in high spirits after reaching their first-ever final in history, were to end up near Vidarbha’s first innings score at one stage but fell short by 37 runs at the end and the home side in Nagpur won the game on the basis of first innings lead.
Vidarbha scored 379 in their first innings, with big contributions coming from 21-year-old Player of the Match Danish Malewar and Karun Nair, who scored 153 and 86 runs, respectively.
Kerala were just 56 short of a first-innings lead with four wickets in hand and their skipper playing. But captain Sachin Baby played a wild slog when Kerala were 324/6 with him on 98. It was hard for the first-timers in the Ranji final to come back in the match from that point and gave Vidarbha a 37-run lead in the first innings.
The Akshay Wadkar-led side built massively on that and batted time as well, reaching 375/9 by the second session on Day 5 when both teams shook hands.
Post-match, Baby blamed himself for the final loss and said that his dismissal changed the momentum of the game.
“It's a big final, and my team and I are very proud to have played this prestigious final. Big congrats to Vidarbha team,” Baby said.
“We have been playing very good cricket. Lots of good performances, and I'm proud to lead this team. Whoever makes the lesser mistakes has the upper hand.
“As the leader, I'll take the blame - my shot changed the momentum of the game. I wanted to be there for the team, and we were six down. I wanted to get the lead.
“If we got a lead, it should have been hundred-plus. Kerala Cricket Association have put in a lot of effort. This is our first final in all three formats. Next time, guys [Vidarbha], we'll beat you! We'll give you a tougher time,” the Kerala skipper said.