Ranji Trophy final, Day 2: Kerala fight back against Vidarbha
What's the story
Kerala's pace trio of Nedumankuzhy Basil, MD Nidheesh, and Eden Apple Tom staged a commendable comeback on the second day of the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha.
Vidarbha ended Day 1 with a score worth 254/4 in 86 overs against Kerala at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur.
And on Day 2, the side perished for 379 runs, adding 125 for the loss of six wickets.
Thereafter, Aditya Sarwate's unbeaten 66 helped Kerala reach 131/3 at stumps.
Key partnership
Sarwate and Imran's partnership aids Kerala's recovery
Kerala suffered early blows as Darshan Nalkande sent both the openers back in his first two overs.
However, a 93-run partnership between Sarwate and Ahammed Imran brought the team back on track.
Although Imran fell to a Yash Thakur bouncer near stumps, Sarwate and Sachin Baby ensured no further loss of wickets for the day.
Match progression
Vidarbha's early run surge and Kerala's response
Vidarbha began the day at 254/4 with runs flowing in the early overs.
Thakur hit boundaries off the first ball of the day and fifth ball of the next over.
Despite Nidheesh finding some swing to keep batters in check, Apple Tom's lines were inconsistent leading to him being driven when he bowled full.
Bowling prowess
Basil's bowling helps Kerala regain control
Vidarbha's pace slowed after Basil was brought into the attack, giving much-needed support to Nidheesh and helping Kerala take the charge.
In a major turn of events, Basil sent Danish Malewar packing for 153 and got rid of the other set batter, Yash Thakur.
Apple Tom's return in the next over saw him take the wicket of Yash Rathod, Vidarbha's highest run-getter in this tournament so far.
Lower-order fightback
Vidarbha's lower-order resistance and Kerala's response
Despite losing key players, Vidarbha's innings was kept alive by a 36-run stand for the eighth wicket between Akshay Wadkar and Akshay Karnewar.
However, their partnership was broken when Rohan Kunnummal took a sharp catch at cover to dismiss Karnewar.
In what was supposed to be the final over before lunch, Wadkar went for a powerful cut but the length ball from Apple Tom seamed away, leading to a caught behind.