Captain's heroics went in vain as Kerala concedes first innings lead against Vidarbha
Nagpur: Kerala’s valiant efforts to gain a first-innings lead in the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha ended frustratingly when the last man was dismissed for 342 runs, conceding a first-innings lead of 37 runs. The consecutive dismissals of captain Sachin Baby, who scored 98 runs, and all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, who made 28 runs, halted Kerala’s progress, with the tailenders quickly following suit.
Vidarbha now holds the early advantage in the game with a first-innings lead of 37 runs. If they can manage to stop Kerala’s bowlers for around four sessions, they could secure the trophy. However, if Kerala’s bowlers manage to bundle out Vidarbha cheaply in the second innings, the final could provide an exciting conclusion. Since they have conceded the first-innings lead, Kerala’s primary objective will be to dismiss Vidarbha quickly in their second innings.
On the third day, after 125 overs, Kerala lost all ten wickets. In the third session, when the team was at 98 runs, the dismissals of captain Sachin Baby and number eight Jalaj Saxena (28) were a huge setback. The wickets of Aditya Sarvate, in-form Salman Nizar, Mohammad Azharuddeen, Sachin Baby, Jalaj Saxena, Nidheesh, and Eden Apple Tom were lost on the third day, giving Vidarbha a 37-run first-innings lead.
Sachin Baby, who had stood firm with patience, was dismissed in the last session of the third day after being caught by Karun Nair off Parth Rekhade’s bowling. The captain scored 98 runs from 235 balls, including ten fours. Jalaj Saxena, who had faced 76 balls, was dismissed for 28 runs, and Eden Apple Tom was out for 10 runs. Both wickets were taken by Parth Rekhade. MD Nidheesh (1) was dismissed by Harsh Dubey. With three wickets each, Darshan Nalkande, Harsh Dubey, and Parth Rekhade played pivotal roles in Vidarbha's advantage in the first innings.
Kerala began the third day with three wickets down at 131 runs, and when the score reached 170, Sarwate was dismissed. Harsh Dubey dismissed Sarwate, who had scored 79 runs from 185 balls, including ten boundaries. Sarwate attempted to defend a flighted delivery from Dubey on the front foot, but the ball edged to Danish Malewar, who made an easy catch. Sarwate’s dismissal followed a partnership of 67 runs with Sachin Baby at the fourth wicket.
The team then lost Salman Nizar at 219 runs. Nizar failed to read the turn on a delivery from Harsh Dubey and attempted to block it with his pad, but the ball turned unexpectedly. The appeal for LBW was upheld by the umpire. Nizar reviewed the decision, but it was unsuccessful. The partnership between Sachin and Salman had added 49 runs before Nizar’s dismissal.
At the sixth wicket, Kerala lost Mohammad Azharuddeen, who was dismissed for 34 runs from 59 balls, including three boundaries. Darshan Nalkande trapped Azharuddeen in front of the stumps. Azharuddeen reviewed the decision, but the umpire’s call stood in favor of Vidarbha.
Earlier in the first innings, Kerala had dismissed Vidarbha for 379 runs. Openers Akshay Chandran (14), Rohan Kunnummal (0), and number four Ahmed Imran (37) were dismissed on the second day.