Vidarbha on top of Kerala in Ranji Trophy final
What's the story
Vidarbha ended Day 1 with a score worth 254/4 in 86 overs against Kerala in the final of the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy being held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur.
Vidarbha were off to a poor start, losing three early scalps.
However, Danish Malewar and Karun Nair steadied the ship with a massive stand.
Malewar is unbeaten with Nair sent back.
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A poor start for Vidarbha
Vidarbha lost Parth Rekhade off the 2nd ball of the first over to suffer an early blow. Thereafter, Darshan Nalkande fell for 1 from 21 balls in the 7th over. Dhruv Shorey was the next to depart, leaving Vidarbha on 24/3 after 12.5 overs.
Partnership
A telling 215-run partnership floors Kerala
Kerala were well on top of the contest before Vidarbha floored them with a telling 215-run stand between Malewar and Nair.
The two saw off a crucial phase and headed into lunch unscathed. In the 2nd session, the work continued as they focused on building a platform.
In the 3rd session, Kerala broke the stand when Nair perished following a run out.
Malewar
Malewar slams his 2nd century in Ranji 2024/25
Malewar has been the crux of Vidarbha's batting. He has worked hard to end the day on an unbeaten 138 from 259 balls.
He has slammed 14 fours and two sixes.
As per ESPNcricinfo, in 9 matches this season, the batter has raced to 695 runs at 53.46.
This was his 2nd century in Ranji 2024/25. He also owns 5 fifties.
Nair
Nair shines with 86-run knock
Nair continued his brilliant form in the Ranji 2024/25 season. He was looking well set for a century before an untimely run out ended his stay. His 86 came from 188 balls (4s: 8, 6s: 1).
In nine matches (15 innings) this season, Nair owns 728 runs at 48.53. This was his 2nd fifty this season. He also owns three tons.
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8,000 FC runs for Nair
Earlier on Day 1, Nair went past 8,000 FC runs. Nair attained the feat with his 10th run of the contest. He has now raced to 8,076 runs from 114 matches (182 innings). This was his 36th fifty (100s: 22). He surpassed 1,000 fours (1,002).