The Ranji Trophy 2024–25 final between Vidarbha and Kerala took a thrilling turn after Karun Nair's century. With six wickets remaining in their second innings, Vidarbha had a 286-run lead with one day to go in the final match at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. Their standout player was Karun Nair, who amassed an undefeated 132 from 280 balls with two sixes and ten fours. Nair managed to make his three-figure score in the second innings despite being run out for 87 in the first.
Vidarbha will have to choose when to declare with just one day of play left since their bowlers need time to bowl out Sachin Baby's Kerala on a ground that has not deteriorated much.
Nair's century powers Vidarbha
Parth Rekhade and Dhruv Shorey, Vidarbha's openers, left the field with just seven runs scored, giving them a terrible start. After that, Nair and Danish Malewar worked hard to form a useful partnership of 182 runs for the third wicket. Malewar hit five fours and scored 73 runs off 162 balls before being removed by Akshay Chandran.
Nair assumed responsibility for playing until the end of play after Malewar left. He put Vidarbha in a strong position after reaching his century off 184 balls. At Stumps, captain Akshay Wadkar, who was not out on four, was with Nair.
Brief Scores
Vidarbha (379 all out in 123.1 overs). Danish Malewar (153), Karun Nair (86); MD Nidheesh (3/61)
Kerala (342 all out in 125 overs). Sachin Baby (98), Aditya Sarwate (79); Harsh Dubey (3/88)
Vidarbha (249/4 in 90 overs). Karun Nair (132*), Danish Malewar (73); Akshay Chandran (1/29)
Vidarbha lead by 286 runs at Stumps on Day 4.
