Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard from the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final still feels like yesterday’s epic. As a die-hard domestic cricket follower who’s tracked every Ranji season since the early 2000s, this one at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur from February 26 to March 2, 2025, delivered pure first-class drama. Vidarbha lifted their third Ranji Trophy in seven years after a hard-fought draw, clinching it on a solid 37-run first-innings lead.
Kerala, in their maiden final appearance, fought valiantly but couldn’t quite bridge the gap. The match had everything: gritty hundreds, clever spin bowling, and tense sessions that kept fans on edge. Vidarbha batted first after Kerala won the toss and chose to field – a decision that almost paid off, but not quite.
I’ve seen Vidarbha rise from underdogs to champions before (their 2018-19 win was special), and this felt like a perfect blend of experience and hunger.
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Match Context and Historical Backdrop
This final pitted Vidarbha‘s proven pedigree against Kerala‘s fairytale run. Vidarbha, led by Akshay Wadkar, had beaten Mumbai convincingly in the semis. Kerala, under Sachin Baby, had stunned everyone by edging past Gujarat on a razor-thin lead in their semi.
The venue, Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, has been kind to the home side. The pitch offered early seam movement but flattened out, with spin coming into play later – classic red-ball territory.
Kerala‘s journey to the final was inspirational. From topping their group to that dramatic semi against Gujarat, they showed southern cricket’s growing strength. But facing Vidarbha in their backyard? That was always going to be tough.
As someone who’s analyzed dozens of finals, first-innings leads often decide these games – and this one followed the script perfectly.
Key Match Summary Table
Here’s a clear overview of the Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard:
| Innings | Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorer | Best Bowling Highlights | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | Vidarbha | 379 all out | 123.1 | Danish Malewar 153 | MD Nidheesh 3/61, Apple Tom 3/102 | Solid batting foundation |
| 1st Innings | Kerala | 342 all out | 125 | Sachin Baby 98 | Parth Rekhade 3/65, Harsh Dubey 3/88, Darshan Nalkande 3/52 | Fell 37 runs short |
| 2nd Innings | Vidarbha | 375/9 dec | 143.5 | Karun Nair 135, Danish Malewar 73 | Aditya Sarwate 4/96 | Set up big lead & declaration |
Result: Match drawn – Vidarbha won on first-innings lead (37 runs). Player of the Match: Danish Malewar Series Result: Vidarbha won the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy (their 3rd title).
This table captures the heart of the contest – Vidarbha‘s consistency vs Kerala‘s fightback.
Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard
How Both Teams Reached the Final
Vidarbha dominated their path. They topped their group with balanced wins, then crushed Tamil Nadu in quarters and Mumbai in semis by 80 runs. Their spin duo of Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade was lethal, and batsmen like Karun Nair brought experience.
Kerala‘s route was more dramatic. They built momentum in the group stage, survived a tense quarter against J&K on first-innings lead, then produced that historic semi win over Gujarat (457 & 114/4 vs 455). Mohammed Azharuddeen‘s heroics earlier carried over, but the final was a step up.
I’ve followed Kerala‘s rise closely – from players like Jalaj Saxena mentoring youngsters to Sachin Baby‘s steady leadership. This final was their biggest test yet.
Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard
Deep Dive: Vidarbha’s Strong First Innings
Vidarbha started steadily after being put in. Openers Parth Rekhade and Dhruv Shorey handled the new ball well, but Kerala‘s pacers struck early.
The turning point? A massive 215-run stand between Karun Nair (86) and Danish Malewar. Malewar‘s 153 was pure class – patient, with elegant drives and solid defense. He anchored the innings beautifully.
Lower order chipped in, taking the total to 379. Kerala‘s MD Nidheesh bowled with fire, picking 3/61. Apple Tom also impressed with 3/102.
This innings set the tone. Reminded me of Vidarbha‘s 2018 final where partnerships wore down opponents.
Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard
Kerala’s Valiant Reply in First Innings
Kerala responded with grit. Akshay Chandran and others gave starts, but Vidarbha‘s spinners – Parth Rekhade (3/65), Harsh Dubey (3/88), and Darshan Nalkande (3/52) – controlled the middle overs.
Sachin Baby‘s 98 (off 235 balls) was a captain’s knock – full of concentration. Aditya Sarwate added a gritty 79, but when Baby fell, the tail collapsed. They finished at 342, trailing by 37.
That 37-run lead? It felt massive on a wearing pitch. Similar to how Vidarbha edged Mumbai in the 2019 final on first innings.
Vidarbha’s Second Innings: Building a Fortress
With the lead secured, Vidarbha batted positively. Karun Nair smashed 135 – vintage stuff from the former India player. Danish Malewar added 73, showing great form.
They declared at 375/9, setting a huge target that was never chased due to time. Aditya Sarwate took 4/96 for Kerala – a valiant effort.
This declaration showed smart captaincy from Akshay Wadkar – press home the advantage.
Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard
Standout Players and Emerging Talents
Danish Malewar – deserved Player of the Match. His 153 and 73 showed maturity beyond years. A big future ahead.
Karun Nair – two big hundreds. His experience was priceless.
For Kerala, Sachin Baby‘s 98 and Aditya Sarwate‘s all-round show (79 & 4 wickets) were highlights. Jalaj Saxena and others fought hard, but it wasn’t enough.
Young talents like Danish Malewar and Parth Rekhade shone – perfect examples of Ranji’s role in nurturing India players.
Fantasy tip: In red-ball leagues, consistent batsmen like Nair and all-round spinners are gold.
Tactical Insights from the Final
Vidarbha‘s spin attack exploited the pitch perfectly. Rotating Dubey, Rekhade, and Nalkande kept pressure constant.
Kerala bowled well early but lacked penetration in middle overs. Their batting discipline was good, but small collapses cost them.
Captaincy: Akshay Wadkar vs Sachin Baby – both led with calm. First-innings lead proved decisive again.
Trends in Ranji 2024-25? Spin dominance in knockouts and importance of partnerships – both teams showed that.
Broader Impact on Indian Cricket
Vidarbha‘s third title cements them as a powerhouse. Their academy system and domestic focus pay off.
For Kerala, this final is a milestone. Losing hurts, but reaching here inspires the next generation.
Domestic cricket remains the backbone – talents like Malewar could soon play for India.
As of January 2026, the new season is underway. Both teams are strong contenders again.
Expert Reflections from a Long-Time Fan
Watching day 3, when Kerala fell short of the lead, was tense. Baby‘s dismissal opened the door – classic Ranji drama.
Lesson: Patience wins. Malewar‘s knocks were textbook Test batting.
If coaching, I’d stress spin-friendly prep and mental toughness – Vidarbha nailed both.
This final echoed great ones like 2018-19 – where leads and character decide.
Current Trends and Looking Ahead
Post this final, spin continues to rule domestic red-ball. Teams invest more in wrist-spinners.
Vidarbha‘s success shows depth matters. Kerala will build on this experience.
Exciting times ahead – watch for young stars in the 2025-26 season.
conclusion
The Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard from the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy final stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of first-class cricket.
Vidarbha reclaimed their throne with the kind of disciplined, no-nonsense cricket that has defined their golden era – three titles in seven years. Danish Malewar’s twin knocks and Karun Nair’s masterclass under pressure were the cornerstones of a victory built on patience and character.
For Kerala, the journey ended in heartbreak but began a new chapter of pride. Their maiden final appearance, led by Sachin Baby’s heroic 98 and Aditya Sarwate’s all-round fight, proved that the south is no longer just knocking on the door – they’re ready to break it down.
This wasn’t just a trophy won or lost. It was a celebration of domestic cricket’s soul: where small leads become legends, where young talents announce themselves, and where every ball can rewrite history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard from the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final?
The Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard shows Vidarbha scoring 379 & 375/9 dec, while Kerala made 342. The match ended in a draw, but Vidarbha won their 3rd Ranji Trophy title on a 37-run first-innings lead. Danish Malewar (153 & 73) was Player of the Match.
2. Who won the Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard in the 2025 Ranji final?
Vidarbha won the title on the Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard thanks to a crucial 37-run first-innings lead (379 vs 342). The final match was drawn, but Vidarbha lifted the Ranji Trophy for the third time in Nagpur.
3. Who were the top performers in the Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard?
Danish Malewar starred with 153 & 73, while Karun Nair scored 135 in the second innings for Vidarbha. For Kerala, Sachin Baby’s 98 was heroic. These standout knocks defined the intense Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard.
4. When and where was the Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard played?
This Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final took place at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur, from February 26 to March 2, 2025. The complete Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard reflects five days of classic red-ball cricket.
5. Why is the Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard considered historic?
It marked Vidarbha’s third Ranji Trophy title and Kerala’s brave maiden final appearance. The tight 37-run first-innings lead, powerful batting, and spin battles make this Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard one of the most memorable domestic finals in recent years. 🏏
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