Vidarbha ended the first day of the Ranji Trophy final against Kerala in a strong position, reaching 254/4 after a turbulent start at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. Despite a critical run-out of Karun Nair, who was dismissed for 86, a vital partnership between Nair and Danish Malewar helped the hosts recover from early setbacks.

At 24/3, Vidarbha seemed on the verge of a collapse. However, Nair and Malewar defied the odds with a brilliant 215-run stand for the fourth wicket. The pair spent 414 balls at the crease, combining defensive solidity with aggressive strokeplay, and ensured Vidarbha were back in the contest. Their partnership was key to the recovery, but it ended in an unfortunate manner when both batsmen attempted an impossible run.

Unlucky End to a Gutsy Partnership

The partnership came to an end in dramatic fashion after nearly 68 overs of resistance. As Kerala’s bowlers struggled to break the stand, they opted for the second new ball in the 82nd over. Eden Apple Tom’s delivery swung widely outside the off-stump, eluding both the wicketkeeper and first slip. The misjudgment led to a risky run attempt, and a quick throw from second slip to the striker’s end resulted in Nair’s run-out, just 14 runs short of a deserved century.

Nair’s contribution of 86 runs off 188 balls (8 boundaries and 1 six) was vital to Vidarbha’s fightback, guiding his younger partner, Malewar, through the challenging moments.

Malewar Shines with Career-Best Knock

While Nair’s dismissal was a setback, Malewar continued to impress with a career-best score of 138*, reaching the milestone off 259 balls. The 21-year-old, playing in his debut season, demonstrated great skill and temperament, scoring freely through midwicket, long-on, and the off-side. His innings included 14 boundaries and 2 sixes. Malewar had shown good form in the knockout rounds, scoring 75 and 79, and his knock on Wednesday confirmed his growing maturity at the crease.

Kerala’s Early Success with the Ball

Kerala’s seamers had initially put Vidarbha on the back foot, especially MD Nidheesh, who played a key role in reducing the hosts to 24/3. Nidheesh’s ability to move the ball both off the pitch and in the air was on full display. He trapped Parth Rekhade lbw with a perfect inswinger off the second ball of the match. He later dismissed Darshan Nalkande (1) and Dhruv Shorey (16), who edged behind to wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen off Eden’s bowling.

Looking Ahead

With the match poised at a crucial juncture, Vidarbha will look to Malewar to continue his fine innings on Day 2. Kerala, having managed to break the solid stand, will be eager to capitalize on any further opportunities to reduce the hosts’ total.

Brief Scores
Vidarbha 254/4 in 86 overs (Danish Malewar 138*, Karun Nair 86; MD Nidheesh 2/33) vs Kerala