Cricket, often called a game of glorious uncertainties, lived up to its reputation in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 final between Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard. Held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur from February 26 to March 2, 2025, this match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing grit, skill, and moments that will be etched in the memories of fans. The match ended in a draw, but not without its share of standout performances, heart-stopping moments, and a testament to the spirit of domestic cricket in India. Let’s dive into the details of this epic clash, breaking down the scorecard, key performances, and what made this final so special.
The Stage is Set
The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic first-class cricket tournament, is a breeding ground for talent and a platform where dreams are made. Vidarbha, a two-time champion (2017-18 and 2018-19), entered their fourth final, eager to reclaim the title after losing to Mumbai in the previous season. Led by the steady Akshay Wadkar, they had been in scintillating form, winning six of their seven group-stage matches and dominating knockouts against Tamil Nadu and Mumbai.
Kerala, on the other hand, were the underdogs with a historic milestone. This was their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, a remarkable achievement under the leadership of Sachin Baby and coach Amay Khurasiya. Their journey included a nail-biting two-run first-innings lead against Gujarat in the semifinal, showcasing their resilience. With veterans like Jalaj Saxena and emerging stars like Salman Nizar, Kerala were ready to challenge Vidarbha’s dominance.
The match began with Kerala winning the toss and opting to bowl, hoping to exploit early conditions at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium. The pitch, described as balanced but with some turn and variable bounce, promised a contest between bat and ball. What followed was five days of gripping cricket, with both teams trading blows until the final handshake.
Day 1: Vidarbha’s Solid Start
Vidarbha’s innings got off to a shaky start as Kerala’s bowlers struck early. Parth Rekhade (1), Darshan Nalkande (4), and Dhruv Shorey (12) fell quickly, leaving Vidarbha at 24/3 in the 13th over. Kerala’s seamers, MD Nidheesh and Eden Apple Tom, were disciplined, making the ball talk on a pitch with some early assistance.
Enter Danish Malewar and Karun Nair, who turned the tide with a monumental 215-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Malewar, a young batter with a bright future, played a career-defining knock of 153 runs off 282 balls, including 18 fours. His composure and ability to rotate the strike kept Vidarbha steady. Nair, a seasoned campaigner, scored a fluent 86 off 208 balls, falling just short of a century due to a run-out. By stumps on Day 1, Vidarbha were 254/4, with Malewar unbeaten and Yash Rathod at the crease. Kerala’s bowlers toiled, but the pitch had flattened out, making it tough to break through.
Day 2: Kerala Fight Back
Kerala started Day 2 with renewed energy, dismissing Malewar and Yash Thakur early to peg Vidarbha back. However, Vidarbha’s lower order showed resilience. Akshay Karnewar (12), Harsh Dubey (12 not out), and Nachiket Bhute (32) chipped in to take Vidarbha to 379 all out in 123.1 overs. Kerala’s bowlers, led by Nidheesh (3/61) and Apple Tom (3/102), ensured Vidarbha didn’t run away with a massive total, but 379 was still a challenging score.
In response, Kerala’s openers, Rohan Kunnummal and Akshay Chandran, fell cheaply to Darshan Nalkande’s fiery spell, leaving them at 14/2. Aditya Sarwate, a former Vidarbha player now representing Kerala, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 66, supported by Ahammed Imran (37). By stumps, Kerala were 131/3, trailing by 248 runs. Sarwate’s gritty knock against his former team set the stage for an intriguing Day 3.
Day 3: Sachin Baby’s Heartbreak and Vidarbha’s Edge
Day 3 was a turning point. Kerala resumed with Sarwate and captain Sachin Baby at the crease. Baby played a captain’s knock, scoring a patient 98 off 235 balls, falling agonizingly short of a century. His dismissal, caught at deep midwicket off Parth Rekhade while attempting a slog sweep, was a moment Kerala would rue. Sarwate fell for 79, and despite contributions from Mohammed Azharuddeen (34) and Salman Nizar (21), Kerala were bowled out for 342 in 125 overs, conceding a slender 37-run first-innings lead to Vidarbha.
Vidarbha’s bowlers were relentless. Darshan Nalkande (3/52), Harsh Dubey (3/88), and Parth Rekhade (3/65) each claimed three wickets, with Dubey breaking the record for the most wickets in a Ranji season (69). Kerala’s inability to capitalize on starts and build big partnerships cost them dearly, but they remained in the game, trailing by just 37 runs.
Day 4: Karun Nair Shines Again
Vidarbha’s second innings began with early setbacks as Jalaj Saxena and MD Nidheesh dismissed Rekhade (1) and Shorey (5). However, Danish Malewar (73 off 162 balls) and Karun Nair, who remained unbeaten on 132, steadied the ship with a 182-run third-wicket stand. Nair’s century was a masterclass in red-ball cricket, blending defense with precise shot-making. Yash Rathod (18) fell late in the day, but Vidarbha ended at 249/4, leading by 286 runs. Kerala’s bowlers, particularly Aditya Sarwate (3/75), kept them in the hunt, but Vidarbha were firmly in control.
Day 5: The Draw and Vidarbha’s Triumph
The final day saw Vidarbha extend their lead, with Nair falling early for 135. Harsh Dubey (4) and Akshay Wadkar (22) fell in quick succession, but Akshay Karnewar (30) and Darshan Nalkande (50) batted with purpose, taking Vidarbha to 375/9 in 143.5 overs. With a lead of 412 runs and time running out, both teams shook hands, settling for a draw. Vidarbha were crowned champions due to their first-innings lead, a fitting reward for their consistency throughout the season.
Kerala’s bowlers, led by Sarwate (3/75) and Saxena (1/97), fought hard, but the target was too steep, and the pitch offered little assistance for a result. The match ended at 2:20 PM, with Vidarbha’s players celebrating in front of 3,000 passionate home fans. Captain Akshay Wadkar lifted the trophy, handed over by BCCI President Roger Binny, as champagne flowed and the team paraded around the ground.
Key Performances
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Danish Malewar (Vidarbha): Named Player of the Match for his 153 and 73, Malewar was the backbone of Vidarbha’s batting. His ability to convert starts into big scores marked him as a star of the future.
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Karun Nair (Vidarbha): With 86 in the first innings and an unbeaten 132 in the second, Nair proved his class across formats, finishing the season with nine centuries.
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Sachin Baby (Kerala): His 98 was a gritty effort, but his dismissal at a crucial juncture shifted momentum. As captain, he led with pride, taking Kerala to their first final.
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Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha): The left-arm spinner’s 3/88 and record-breaking 69 wickets in the season were pivotal in Vidarbha’s triumph.
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Aditya Sarwate (Kerala): Scoring 79 and taking 3/75 against his former team, Sarwate showed his all-round prowess.
The Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard Breakdown
Below is the full Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard Ranji Trophy Final 2024-25, capturing every detail of this thrilling encounter.
|
Team |
Innings |
Score |
Overs |
Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Vidarbha 1st Innings |
379/10 | 123.1 |
Danish Malewar 153 (282), Karun Nair 86 (208), Nachiket Bhute 32 (62) |
|
|
Fall of Wickets |
0-1 (Rekhade, 0.2), 11-2 (Nalkande, 6.3), 24-3 (Shorey, 12.5), 239-4 (Nair, 81.4), 290-5 (Malewar, 95.3), 295-6 (Thakur, 99.4), 297-7 (Rathod, 100.3), 333-8 (Karnewar, 110.1), 335-9 (Wadkar, 113.3), 379-10 (Bhute, 123.1) |
|||
|
Kerala Bowling |
MD Nidheesh 3/61, Eden Apple Tom 3/102, Nedumankuzhy Basil 2/60 |
|||
|
Kerala 1st Innings |
342/10 | 125 |
Aditya Sarwate 79 (185), Sachin Baby 98 (235), Mohammed Azharuddeen 34 (70) |
|
|
Fall of Wickets |
1-1 (Kunnummal, 0.5), 14-2 (Chandran, 2.3), 107-3 (Imran, 31.3), 170-4 (Sarwate, 55.6), 219-5 (Nizar, 70.4), 278-6 (Azharuddeen, 94.1), 324-7 (Baby, 106.5), 337-8 (Saxena, 118.3), 338-9 (Nidheesh, 121.6), 342-10 (Apple Tom, 124.6) |
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|
Vidarbha Bowling |
Darshan Nalkande 3/52, Harsh Dubey 3/88, Parth Rekhade 3/65 |
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|
Vidarbha 2nd Innings |
375/9 | 143.5 |
Karun Nair 135 (250), Danish Malewar 73 (162), Darshan Nalkande 50 (70) |
|
|
Fall of Wickets |
5-1 (Rekhade, 1.1), 7-2 (Shorey, 2.2), 189-3 (Malewar, 59.4), 238-4 (Rathod, 80.1), 259-5 (Nair, 96.3), 279-6 (Dubey, 108.1), 283-7 (Wadkar, 109.6), 331-8 (Karnewar, 130.4), 346-9 (Bhute, 133.4) |
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|
Kerala Bowling |
Aditya Sarwate 3/75, Jalaj Saxena 1/97, MD Nidheesh 1/48, Eden Apple Tom 1/57 |
Result: Match drawn; Vidarbha won the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 due to a 37-run first-innings lead.
Turning Points and What-Ifs
The match was defined by moments that could have changed its course:
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Sachin Baby’s Dismissal: Baby’s 98 was a masterclass, but his ill-judged slog sweep when Kerala were 56 runs short of Vidarbha’s total handed the momentum back to Vidarbha.
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Karun Nair’s Run-Out: Nair’s 86 in the first innings ended due to a mix-up, preventing Vidarbha from posting a bigger total.
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Aditya Sarwate’s Resilience: Sarwate’s 79 and three wickets against his former team kept Kerala competitive, but his dismissal on Day 3 swung the game.
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Kerala’s Missed Chances: Dropped catches, including one of Nair early in the second innings, and not opting for a caught-behind appeal against Sarwate proved costly.
Reflections from the Captains
Sachin Baby, despite the heartbreak, was proud of Kerala’s journey: “It’s a big final, and me and my team are very proud to have played this prestigious final. Big congrats to Vidarbha. My shot changed the momentum; I take the blame.” He vowed to return stronger, promising Vidarbha a tougher challenge next time.
Akshay Wadkar, lifting the trophy, credited his team’s hard work: “We stuck to our process, and the youngsters stepped up. Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, and Danish Malewar were phenomenal. This win is for our fans.”
Why This Match Matters
This final was more than just a scorecard. For Vidarbha, it was redemption after last year’s loss, a testament to their system of nurturing young talent like Malewar and Dubey alongside veterans like Nair and Wadkar. For Kerala, reaching their first final was a historic milestone, proving they can compete with the best. The match showcased the depth of Indian domestic cricket, with players like Malewar, Rathod, and Saxena reminding fans of the talent waiting to shine on bigger stages.
The 3,000-strong crowd at Nagpur added to the atmosphere, cheering every run and wicket. Social media buzzed with hashtags like #VidarbhaVsKerala, reflecting the passion for domestic cricket. As Vidarbha celebrated their third Ranji title, Kerala walked away with heads held high, knowing they pushed a champion team to the brink.
Looking Ahead
For Vidarbha, this win cements their status as a domestic powerhouse. Players like Malewar and Dubey are likely to attract attention from IPL scouts and national selectors. Kerala, meanwhile, will build on this campaign, with Saxena’s experience and Nizar’s consistency forming a strong core. The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final will be remembered as a classic, a draw that felt like a victory for both teams in their own way.
