On Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy match, Vidarbha vs Kerala in Nagpur at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Kerala finished their innings on 342 runs. As the day began, Kerala was trailing Vidarbha’s first innings score of 379 by 248 runs, with seven wickets remaining. The onus was on the Kerala middle and lower order to bridge the gap. Now, if the match ends in a draw, then based on the first innings lead, Vidarbha will be crowed as the champions.
Sachin Baby’s captain knock
Skipper Sachin Baby led from the front with a well-crafted innings of 98 runs. Unfortunately, he fell just two runs short of a century, caught at deep midwicket off Parth Rekhade’s bowling, leaving Kerala at 324 for 7. Kerala’s story of near misses continued as Jalaj Saxena (28) and Eden Apple Tom (10) surrendered against relentless Vidarbha attack. Despite late resistance from the lower order, Kerala was bowled out for 342. Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade played a big role, both claiming three wickets each and preventing Kerala from surpassing Vidarbha’s total.
Harsh Dubey strikes again
Vidarbha’s bowlers, led by Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade, showed disciplined performances throughout Kerala’s innings. Rekhade swung the game in Vidarbha’s favor by breaking crucial partnerships and keeping Kerala on the back foot. Darshan Nalkande also chipped in with three crucial wickets, creating key breakthrough moments that kept Kerala on edge.
Vidarbha’s captain, Akshay Wadkar, successfully rotated his bowlers, exploiting the pitch conditions to their advantage. The team showed exemplary fielding skills, with catching and ground fielding on point, which bolstered their bowling unit.
Thrilling match moment: Kerala Reviews and LBW Drama
The final session was particularly intense, with Kerala frequently using the Decision Review System (DRS) to challenge LBW decisions. The fate of MD Nidheesh and Eden Apple Tom tested the nerves of both teams as they both reviewed their LBW dismissals but were ultimately given out.
The road ahead for both teams
Stumps on Day 3 left Vidarbha slightly ahead, owning a first-innings lead, but with two days still remaining, Kerala will be keen not to let go without a fight. With the pitch still providing turn and bounce, Aditya Sarwate could be a key figure for Kerala if they are to stage a comeback in the second innings.
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