Nagpur witnessed an intense battle on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy final as Kerala fought back valiantly after their pacers rattled Vidarbha in the morning session. At stumps, Kerala stood at 131/3, still trailing by 248 runs, with local lad Aditya Sarwate leading the charge with a determined 66*.
Pacers wreak havoc for Kerala
Vidarbha began the day in a strong position at 254/4, but Kerala’s pace attack, spearheaded by the fiery 19-year-old Eden Apple Tom and the ever-reliable N P Basil, turned the tide dramatically. The hosts collapsed to 379 all out, adding just 125 runs for their final six wickets. Eden claimed 3/102, while Basil chipped in with 2/60. M D Nidheesh (3/61) provided crucial breakthroughs, wrapping up the lower order efficiently.
Vidarbha’s batting revolved around overnight centurion Danish Malewar, who extended his innings to 153 before Basil’s lethal inswinger rattled his stumps. Captain Akshay Wadkar (22) and all-rounder Nachiket Bhute (32) attempted to resist, but Kerala’s disciplined bowling kept them in check. A highlight of the session was Rohan S Kunnummal’s acrobatic catch at cover to dismiss Akshay Karnewar, an effort that shifted momentum in Kerala’s favor.
Adtiya Sarwate redemption story
Kerala’s response, however, was far from smooth. Darshan Nalkande’s fiery spell sent openers Rohan Kunnummal (0) and Akshay Chandran (14) back in quick succession. When the visitors stumbled at 14/2, former Vidarbha all-rounder Aditya Sarwate stepped in. Released by Vidarbha last season, Sarwate played with purpose, crafting a crucial 93-run partnership with Ahammed Imran (37). Captain Sachin Baby (7*) joined him at the crease before stumps.
With Kerala still trailing by 248 runs, Day 3 will be crucial in determining their title hopes. Sarwate, playing a heroic knock, will aim to extend Kerala’s fight and push for a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title.
