Vidarbha vs Kerala, Final Match Summary

The moment of truth is here! The grand finale of the Ranji Trophy 2024/25 is set to unfold as two titans prepare to battle for supremacy. In one corner, history beckons for Kerala, stepping onto the final stage for the very first time, ready to etch their name in glory. Standing in their way are the seasoned champions, Vidarbha, a team with two titles already under their belt, also marking their four finale appearance. First pipping out Jammu and Kashmir in the quarter final, then edging out the mighty Gujarat side in the semis, Kerala’s journey has been inspiring. In the semifinal, Kerala found themselves with their backs against the wall, needing three wickets while defending a mere 28 runs on the final day. The pressure was immense, but they rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion picking two. With Gujarat just a couple of runs away from leveling the scores, the tension peaked as Priyajitsing Jadeja and Arzan Nagwaswalla held their ground for the last wicket. Enter Aditya Sarwate, who delivered a teasing toss. Nagwaswalla went for the big shot, only to see the ball ricochet off the helmet of Salman Nizar at short leg, looping dramatically into the slips. Sachin Baby swooped in to complete the catch, sealing a heart-stopping victory and sending Kerala into their maiden Ranji Trophy final. In the batting department, Salman Nizar has been Kerala's standout performer, amassing 607 runs from eleven innings, including one fifty and two centuries. Not far behind is Mohammed Azharuddeen, who has been equally instrumental, racking up 601 runs with a highest score of 177. The middle order has also delivered, with RS Kannumal and Sachin Baby chipping in with 400-plus runs each, providing crucial support. On the bowling front, Jalaj Saxena has been the star, claiming 38 wickets this season with five five-wicket hauls, firmly establishing himself as the team's premier bowler. He’s been ably supported by Aditya Sarwate and MD Nidheesh, who have consistently delivered when it mattered. Together, this balanced unit has propelled Kerala to their maiden Ranji Trophy final. While in Nagpur, it was nothing short of a domestic cricket el Clásico as Vidarbha squared off against Mumbai in a high-stakes semifinal showdown. In a thrilling contest, Vidarbha emerged victorious by 80 runs, with the Elite Group B toppers booking their spot in the final for the fourth time. Leading the charge with the bat is the sensational Yash Rathod, who has been in a league of his own this season. One of only three batters to cross the 900-run mark, Rathod has been Vidarbha’s rock, smashing five centuries and three fifties to anchor the innings. But he’s not alone. Karun Nair and Akshay Wadkar have been equally prolific, piling on the runs with consistency and flair. Together, this formidable batting trio has been the driving force behind Vidarbha’s dominance. But it’s not just their batsmen who’ve been turning heads, Harsh Dubey has been a revelation with the ball, topping the season’s wicket-taking charts with a staggering 66 scalps in just 18 innings, including seven five-wicket hauls. With their worst result this season being a solitary draw against Gujarat, Vidarbha have marched through the tournament unbeaten, a testament to their sheer consistency and resilience. But can their invincible run be challenged this time? It’s a clash of dreams versus experience. Three matches have been played so far in this season at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium of Nagpur, and the records show one draw and a win, but runs have been scored in bulk. Since the finale is a five-day fixture, one can expect a lot more action between bat and ball. Who will seize the crown? Will Vidarbha wear it for the third time? Or can Kerala get their first title in their maiden finale appearance? The stage is set, the stakes are high, and cricket fans, brace yourselves for an epic showdown!