The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final was not a mere domestic cricket game but a historical fight, pride and toughness. Vidarbha, a proven team, had to play Kerala who were writing their first appearance in Ranji Trophy final.
The Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard became a symbol of determination, heartbreak, and triumph, capturing the essence of Indian domestic cricket at its finest.
Background of the Teams
Vidarbha had already left their mark in Ranji history having won back-to-back titles in 201718 and 2018-19. A well balanced team with some of the most experienced campaigners in the form of Karun Nair and some of the most promising in the form of Danish Malewar led them to the final. Their path to the final was characterized by stability, tactical genius as well as the desire to win back the glory which they had lost to Mumbai the previous season.
The surprise of the tournament was Kerala under the leadership of Sachin Baby. Their first appearance in Ranji Trophy final was hailed all over the state. The campaign of Kerala was based on the grit, and the leadership of Baby, the all round brilliance of Jalaj Saxena and the fiery pace bowling of Basil Thampi. To them the final was not just a match but an opportunity to demonstrate that Kerala cricket had come to the big stage.
The Stage is Set
The final started on December 12, 2024, in the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. Kerala got the toss and chose to bowl in the first instance in an attempt to take advantage of the early morning conditions. The pitch was helpful to the seamers but assured to relax and allow batting as the game went on. The mood was intense and the fans of both states were cheering.
Day-by-Day Match Breakdown
Day 1: Vidarbha’s Solid Start
Vidarbha started off on a bad note and lost early wickets. But Danish Malewar and Karun Nair smoothed the vessel out with a phenomenal 215-run partnership. Malewar was playing the fluent strokeplay and Nair was playing the composed role that annoyed the Kerala bowlers. Vidarbha had already attained 254/4 by stumps, which was to be the tone of the remaining match.
Day 2: Kerala Fight Back
Malewar also maintained his good shape and scored a glorious 153 and lost to Jalaj Saxena. Vidarbha later registered 379 all out. The bowlers of Kerala and in particular Basil Thampi continued the pressure. As Kerala went out to bat, Aditya Sarwate of Vidarbha dealt some vital blows, so that Kerala never settled at all.
Day 3: Sachin Baby’s Heartbreak
The hopes of Kerala were on the captain Sachin Baby who scored a captain knock of 98. His rejection only slightly less than a century was devastating and was a turning point. Kerala suffered a bowling out of 342 and were losing by 37. Harsh Dubey led the bowlers of Vidarbha and made sure that their side had the upper hand.
Day 4: Karun Nair’s Century
The second innings of Vidarbha was characterized by Karun Nair coming to the occasion. His 132, which was not beaten, anchored the innings and was backed up by Malewar whose 73. Vidarbha set a 412-run lead and Kerala was left with a far-fetched chase.
Day 5: Draw, Vidarbha Crowned the champions
Kerala showed weakness in batting. As time elapsed, the game was called a draw. Vidarbha secured the Ranji Trophy on the principles of the first-innings lead and this was their third championship in history.
Key Performances
- Danish Malewar: 153 and 73, Player of the Month.
- Karun Nair: 86 & 132*, proving his class in crunch moments.
- Sachin Baby: 98, was a heroic attempt that made Kerala stay in the game.
- Harsh Dubey: The best wicket taker of the season with 69 wickets.
- Aditya Sarwate: Multistage attack on his old team.
Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard
| Team | Innings | Runs | Overs | Key Performers |
| Vidarbha | 1st | 379 | 109.2 | Malewar 153, Nair 86 |
| Kerala | 1st | 342 | 104.5 | Baby 98, Saxena 45 |
| Vidarbha | 2nd | 375/6d | 102.1 | Nair 132*, Malewar 73 |
| Kerala | 2nd | 310/8 | 95.0 | Baby 67, Thampi 32* |
The complete Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard reflects the intensity and drama of this Ranji Trophy final.
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Turning Points and Missed Opportunities
- The sacking of Sachin Baby at 98 took the tide back to Vidarbha.
- Karun Nair ran out in the first innings and this may have been a blow to Vidarbha, although he made amends later.
- The lost catches and unsuccessful appeals of Kerala cost in a high stakes final.
Reflections from Captains
Sachin Baby was proud of the journey of Kerala, although it failed. He emphasized the spirit of fighting of the team and assured that this historic run would be developed.
Akshay Wadkar complimented the youths of Vidarbha and their role in critical situations, particularly that of Malewar and Dubey. He attributed their victory to the cohesiveness and strength of the team.
Why This Match Matters
This was not only a contest but a milestone to the Indian domestic cricket. Their consistency was demonstrated by the redemption of Vidarbha following the heartbreak in the previous season. The final appearance of the maiden in Kerala was a great motivator to the fans of the state as it is a fact that perseverance will yield results.
The Ranji Trophy is the mainstay of Indian cricket and games such as these demonstrate the talent pool that is yet to be displayed in bigger arenas.
Final Word
The final of Ranji Trophy 202425 will be remembered due to the drama of the game, performances, and emotions. The Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard is not just about numbers, it is about stories of resilience, heartbreak, and triumph. Vidarbha took their 3rd Ranji Trophy, and Kerala took pride and hope of the future.
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