With Danish Malewar leading the charge at 99 (167)* and Karun Nair offering strong assistance with *47 (118)**, Vidarbha has gotten off to a decent start, reaching 165/3 in 56.5 overs. Following early hiccups, the pair has assisted in stabilizing the innings.
Vidarbha’s Road to the Championship
With six victories in seven games, Vidarbha finished first in Elite Group B, demonstrating their dominance this season. They defeated Mumbai and Tamil Nadu in the knockout stages of their undefeated season. Their march to the final has been greatly aided by standout players like Akshay Wadkar (674 runs in 9 matches) and Yash Rathod (933 runs in 9 matches).
Harsh Dubey, a superb all-round player who has amassed 460 runs and 66 wickets in just nine games, is another member of the team. Vidarbha is still the favorite to win the Ranji Trophy because of their home field advantage and potent roster.
Kerala’s Battle for the First Ranji Trophy
With three victories and four draws, Kerala finished second in Elite Group C, making them the tournament’s dark horse. They defeated Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir in the first innings of the knockout stages, guaranteeing them a spot in the final.
Crucial figures in their voyage have included Mohammed Azharuddeen, a batsman and wicketkeeper, who has scored 601 runs in nine games, and Salman Nizar, who has scored 607 runs in eight games. With 338 runs and 38 wickets under his belt, veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena is an invaluable asset for Kerala. Kerala is committed to winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time, even if they are the underdogs.
Overview of the Match and Pitch Report
Both hitters and bowlers have benefited from the well-balanced surface at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. A strong batting effort will be crucial, as indicated by the previous matches’ average first-innings score of 309. The toss is a key component since spinners are anticipated to be used as the game goes on.
Given that Malewar and Nair are trying to reach a high total in the present match, Vidarbha is in a strong position. Kerala, however, would want to limit the hosts and end this partnership early.
Who Is in the Lead?
Vidarbha is still the favorite to win the Ranji Trophy because of their depth in both bowling and hitting. Kerala, on the other hand, has proven resilient throughout the competition and will attempt to make history with a valiant comeback.
