Ranji Trophy Final Highlights, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Centurion Malewar stays solid as Vidarbha reach 254/4 at Stumps
- Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Highlights, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Danish Malewar has scored his second century of his debut Ranji Trophy season, as Vidarbha finished Day 1 at 254/4. Karun Nair also scored a brilliant 86 but his innings was cut short after an unfortunate run out.
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Highlights, Vidarbha vs Kerala: The opening day of the Ranji Trophy final belonged to Danish Malewar, who displayed brilliant composure under pressure to not only bail Vidarbha out of a rocky start, but score a brilliant century. Malewar stayed unbeaten on 138, while Karun Nair produced a terrific knock before being run out for 86, as Vidarbha reached 254/4 at Stumps. ...Read More
At the end of a long Ranji Trophy campaign, the final finally set underway, with two fairly inexperienced Ranji Trophy finalists set to lock horns as they try to bring the famous old trophy back home with them. In the title clash, it’s a pair of fairly unfancied teams, with Vidarbha taking on Kerala in the southern state’s first ever Ranji Trophy final.
The road to the final has been a spectacular one for Kerala, and there are no two ways about it. Beyond all the quality and experience they possess throughout the team, they have also shown fighting spirit and an ability to come through in the clutch — beginning all the way in the group stage where they survived three final day sessions against MP, but more notably and memorably in the knockout stages.
Kerala first scraped by thanks to a narrow first-innings lead over the favoured Jammu and Kashmir, batting second in that match and just scraping by. Next, they looked set to lose out on a first-innings lead against Gujarat, and therefore on the final, but a miraculous bounce off Salman Nizar’s helmet at short-leg gave them an equally miraculous passage through to the finals. Nizar was left concussed, but ask him, and he would tell you he would go through it all over again.
Meanwhile, Vidarbha continue to establish themselves as one of the premier domestic units of this generation. Investments in cricket straight through to the grassroots levels and a greater focus on providing an environment of domestic stability means Vidarbha are gunning for a third Ranji title in just seven seasons, a credit to the development of a team that had never won it before.
Vidarbha enter on the back of four outright victories, and they are certainly the form team and the ones to beat. They went with a 6-1-0 record in the group stages, remaining unbeaten, and then went on to beat the always-strong Tamil Nadu in the quarters, before knocking out the defending champions Mumbai when it finally looked like they had put the pieces together after a lacklustre group stage. There are many terrific parts to Vidarbha’s squad, including leading Ranji wicket-taker Harsh Dubey, and at this point are looking like a team that could be impossible to stop.
So it’s a traditional David vs Goliath story, the plucky nothing-to-lose underdogs who have fought their way here, against the best team in the country and one which has almost forgotten to lose in first class cricket. Vidarbha lost the Vijay Hazare Trophy final only a few short weeks ago, though, falling narrowly short, and that is a fate that they will fight and scrape to avoid happening to them twice in a season.
They are the hosts in Nagpur, getting home advantage, and importantly there are plenty in the unit who know what it takes to win. But teams on a fairytale run like the one Kerala is on never bow out quietly: they will bring the fight right back to Vidarbha, and are certain to provide drama all the way through. Over the course of four days, this could prove to be a truly memorable Ranji Trophy final.
Follow all the updates here:
- Feb 26, 2025 05:05 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Stumps on Day 1
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Yash Thakur plays out the final over of the day from Jalaj Saxena, picking a two off the first ball before taking a single on the final delivery. No further setbacks for Vidarbha on Day 1, as they finish on 254/4
- Feb 26, 2025 04:57 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Yash Thakur new man in
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Vidarbha decide to send in a nightwatchman with over 8 overs still to play, as Yash Thakur walks in to join Malewar.
- Feb 26, 2025 04:45 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: WICKET!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Massive wicket for Vidarbha, and what a time to get it. Karun Nair is run out merely 14 runs short of his century! Nair leaves a delivery from Eden Apple and the wicketkeeper fumbles in collection. The batter sprints for a run, but Malewar denies the single. It's too late, however, as a direct hit from Sachin Baby ends Nair's knock. He departs for 86.
239/4 in 81.5 overs
- Feb 26, 2025 04:32 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Malewar, Nair in cruise control
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Vidarbha’s dominance continues as Malewar (131*) and Nair (77*) take their partnership past 200. The duo remains untroubled, adding a couple of singles in a quiet 79th over bowled by Aditya Sarwate. Kerala’s bowlers are struggling to find a breakthrough, with both batters looking well-set heading into the final phase of the day. With 11 overs left, Vidarbha will aim to tighten their grip further.
- Feb 26, 2025 03:55 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: 210/3 in 70 overs
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Danish Malewar and Karun Nair continue to solidify Vidarbha’s position, with Malewar reaching 124 off 214 deliveries. The 70th over saw a well-timed flick for four off Akshay Chandran’s first delivery. The left-arm spinner tried to keep things tight thereafter, but Malewar remained composed, defending solidly. With Nair holding firm at the other end on 65 off 150, Vidarbha look in control as they build towards a strong total.
- Feb 26, 2025 03:29 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Continuing from where they left off…
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Malewar (116*) and Nair (51*) stay solid after the tea break, but Kerala can still make inroads if they break this partnership. The score is 186/3, so a wicket here will open the door for Kerala to make a strong comeback after a near-perfect start with the ball.
- Feb 26, 2025 03:17 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: 50 for Nair!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Karun Nair's dream run continues! An excellent half-century from the star batter in 125 deliveries. After a rocky start, Vidarbha have found some stability, thanks to excellent recovery from Nair and Danish Malewar, who is going strong after his century.
182/3 in 61.3 overs
- Feb 26, 2025 03:09 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: We are back!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Here we go, then. Can Kerala break this stand early? Nidheesh to start bowling the final session, Malewar is on strike. He is on 104 off 171, Karun Nair at the other end on 47 off 121.
- Feb 26, 2025 02:46 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: TEA! Vidarbha 170/3 in 58 overs
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: No wickets lost for Vidarbha in the second session as Malewar and Karun close the door on Kerala. Karun is on 47 off 121, Malewar on 104 off 173. Partnership between them on 146 off 274. Vidarbha have plenty of batting to come, they had sent a night watchman out early in a real video game move, remember. Long, long road ahead for Kerala for coming back into this
- Feb 26, 2025 02:39 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Century for Malewar! He brings it up with a four!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: He is just 21 years young and this was his debut Ranji Trophy season and he has now scored his second first class century. He goes back in his crease and whips the first ball of the 58th by Sarwate through midwicket for a four. Malewar moves to 103 in 167 balls. An incredible knock from the youngster.
Vidarbha 169/3 in 57.1 overs
- Feb 26, 2025 02:35 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Malewar gets to 99 with a SIX!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: The fifth ball of the 56th by Sarwate is full around off. Both long off and long on are back and yet, Malewar goes big down the ground for a six. He is now on 99 off 166 balls.
- Feb 26, 2025 02:32 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Vidarbha 153/3 in 55 overs
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Malewar is on 92 off 162, Karun on 42 off 112 balls. Malewar has scored one century earlier this season, along with five half-centuries, he was among the stars for Vidarbha in their win over Mumbai in the semi-final. He is now eight runs away from a memorable century here.
- Feb 26, 2025 02:21 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Karun Nair into the 40s
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Kerala would be happy about the fact that they haven't really let these two run away with it despite having been out there for such a long time. At the same time, though, Vidarbha would be happy about these two having been out there for so long. What is for sure is that this wicket is quite different from the one that was there in the first hour of play today.
Karun on 41 off 102, Malewar on 91 off 160.
Vidarbha 151/3 in 53 overs
- Feb 26, 2025 01:57 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Malewar into the 80s, Vidarbha motoring along now
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Kerala looking slightly bereft of ideas now. Ball is coming on nicely to the bat and the batters are making full use of it. Malewar in particularly is going at a good click and he has now moved to 81 off 147 balls. Karun Nair on 38 off 91 balls.
The umpires are checking the ball now and it lookms like they are going to change it. Yes, here comes the fourth umpire with a box full of red hard cherries.
- Feb 26, 2025 01:34 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: 100-run stand between Malewar and Karun!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: These two are consolidating now and Kerala look a little flat now. Malewar takes a single off the fifth ball of the 44th by Saxena to bring that up. It has come in 189 balls. Malewar has moved to 70 off 120, he is rotating the strike very well now. Karun doing just as well at the other end, he is on 35 off 82.
- Feb 26, 2025 01:06 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Fifty for Danish Malewar, he brings it up with a six!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Sarwate tosses up the second ball of the 38th, Malewar skips down the track and blasts it over the bowler's head for a six. That takes him to 51 in 104 balls. This has been quite some knock from him but Vidarbha would want him to convert this into a big one.
Vidarbha 103/3 in 37.2 overs
- Feb 26, 2025 12:49 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: The second session begins...
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: It could be a significantly different match now. The pitch habs eased up, conditions are very good for batting. Karun Nair and Danish Malewar have done well thus far but they have to effectively restart their innings. Kerala need quick wickets. Nair on 28 off 54, Malewar on 38 off 88.
Vidarbha 81/3 in 32 overs
- Feb 26, 2025 12:07 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: LUNCH! Vidarbha 81/3 in 32 overs
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Kerala were off to a very good start, picking two early wickets and then another some time later. However, Karun Nair and Danish Malewar then closed the doors on them. The pair have batted out nearly 20 overs and their partnership at Lunch is on 57 off 116 balls.
- Feb 26, 2025 12:01 pm IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Jalaj Saxena into the attack, Vidarbha 78/3 in 30 overs
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: The Ranji Trophy legend comes in for the first time today in the 31st over. Karun and Malewar have done well to ensure that Kerala couldn't exploit the favourable conditions fully early in the day. Their partnership is on 53 off 105 balls.
- Feb 26, 2025 11:43 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Karun Nair turning it on now! Vidarbha 73/3 in 27 overs
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: The partnership between these two has now reached 49 in 86 and Karun is starting to demonstrate that the conditions have eased up. Aditya Sarwate returns for the 27th over, he sends the fifth ball in full outside off, Karun smashes it over extra cover for the first six of the innings. He has moved to 20 in 37 balls, Danish Malewar at the other end on 34 off 69.
- Feb 26, 2025 11:23 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: 50 up for Vidarbha, 50/3 in 22 overs
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: So far so good for Karun and Malewar. The moisture seems to be making its way out, the green has somewhat disappeared from the pitch and so it is getting better to bat on already. Kerala have a real task in their hands now and they would be desperate to get at least one more wicket in what remains of this session.
- Feb 26, 2025 10:59 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Karun Nair in the middle now, Vidarbha 38/3 in 17 overs
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Vidarbha's biggest strength this season has been the depth they have in their batting lineup. He has faced 12 balls for six runs, Danish Malewar at the other end on 13 off 34 balls. N Basil is into the attack, he has bowled two overs for four runs, Apple Tom just bowled his seventh over and he has figures of 1/28.
- Feb 26, 2025 10:40 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: OUT! Incredible catch by keeper Azharuddeen, Shorey falls
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: First wicket of the day for Apple Tom! Length ball outside off and slight movement away. It was angling in before that movement. Shorey suckered into the drive away from his body, Azharuddeen had to dive a long way to his right, takes it one-handed and holds on to it.
Shorey c Azharuddeen b Apple Tom 16 (35)
- Feb 26, 2025 10:30 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: 11 overs gone, Vidarbha 23/2
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Aditya Sarwate is into the attack, bowling the first over of spin in the 10th. Nidheesh has continued and bowled his sixth over in the 11th and it won't be too much of a surprised if he is taken off now. Sarvate continues in the 12th now. Danish Malewar and Dhruv Shorey have given some stability to Vidarbha. Malewar on six off 17, Shorey on 15 off 27.
- Feb 26, 2025 10:16 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: OUT! What a start this is for Kerala
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Wicket No.2 for Nidheesh and Kerala! Nalkande goes for the pull from way outside off, gets no control on it at all. Ball goes high up in the air and Nedumankuzhy Basil takes a straightforward catch at deep square. Early wickets is what they needed and it is what they are getting for now.
Nalkande c Basil b Nidheesh 1 (21)
Vidarbha 11/2 in 6.3 overs
- Feb 26, 2025 09:51 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Maiden to start with for Eden Apple Tom
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: And he beats Shorey fifth ball. This is a very good start for Kerala; it's exactly what they would've wanted to do to settle any nerves due to the occasion. There is a chance that this pitch could just settle and die off in about an hour though and so they would be on the hunt for more.
- Feb 26, 2025 09:38 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: OUT! An early strike for Kerala!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Big appeal for LBW second ball, umpire says no, and Baby reviews successfully! Nidheesh gets it to pitch in line of the stumps on good length, slight nip back into the left hander. His front foot goes so far across that there was no way his bat was coming down first to the ball. It is taken flush on the pads and three reds on ball tracking.
- Feb 26, 2025 09:36 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Here we go then!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: All right good conditions for the bowlers early on here. Parth Rekade facing up with Dhruv Shorey at the other end. Nidheesh has the new ball in his hands. The 2024/25 Ranji Trophy final is underway!
- Feb 26, 2025 09:27 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Pitch report
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Lot of grass on the pitch, there's also some moisture in it. Looks darkish. It's a red soil pitch, it's a touch hard, hence the pace bowlers will get some bounce. The ball will also seam around. Spinners will come into play later in the game. A decent wicket for the bowlers, so the captain winning the toss should elect to bowl first.
- Feb 26, 2025 09:26 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Kerala XI
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Akshay Chandran, Rohan Kunnummal, Sachin Baby(c), Jalaj Saxena, Mohammed Azharuddeen(w), Salman Nizar, Ahammed Imran, Eden Apple Tom, Aditya Sarwate, MD Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil
- Feb 26, 2025 09:26 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Vidarbha XI
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Dhruv Shorey, Parth Rekhade, Danish Malewar, Karun Nair, Yash Rathod, Akshay Wadkar(w/c), Akshay Karnewar, Harsh Dubey, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Yash Thakur
- Feb 26, 2025 09:11 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: TOSS ALERT!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Sachin Baby has won the toss and Kerala are fielding first at the VCA Stadium.
- Feb 26, 2025 09:00 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: The legend of Jalaj Saxena
482 wickets and 7032 runs, 17 four-wicket hauls, 34 five-wicket hauls, 34 half-centuries and 14 centuries. A batting average of 33.80 and a bowling average of 25.21 in 149 matches. And yet, not a single international appearance. Jalaj Saxena has done a lot in cricket and got very little in return. Can he now get something with Kerala, the state and team he has adopted as his home since 2016?
- Feb 26, 2025 08:50 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Sanju Samson's absence explained...
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Samson has had his issues with the Kerala Cricket Association. It is these issues that led to him not playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which possibly led to him not being selected for the Champions Trophy. But there are no such sinister reasons keeping him out of the Kerala squad today. Samson is recovering from a surgery he had on his index finger, which was fractured during India's recent T20I home series against England.
"I really want Kerala to be the Ranji Champions," he is quoted as saying by the Kerala's Manorama news outlet.
- Feb 26, 2025 08:46 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Kerala full squad
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Akshay Chandran, Rohan Kunnummal, Varun Nayanar, Sachin Baby(c), Jalaj Saxena, Mohammed Azharuddeen(w), Salman Nizar, Ahammed Imran, Aditya Sarwate, MD Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil, Basil Thampi, Vishnu Vinod, Baba Aparajith, Fazil Fanoos, Vathsal Govind, Shoun Roger, Vaisakh Chandran, Krishna Prasad, Anand Krishnan, KM Asif
- Feb 26, 2025 08:28 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Vidarbha full squad
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Atharva Taide, Dhruv Shorey, Parth Rekhade, Danish Malewar, Karun Nair, Yash Rathod, Akshay Wadkar(w/c), Harsh Dubey, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Yash Thakur, Akshay Wakhare, Akshay Karnewar, Siddhesh Wath, Aditya Thakare, Shubham Kapse, Aman Mokhade, Mandar Mahale, Yash Kadam, Praful Hinge, Umesh Yadav
- Feb 26, 2025 08:20 am IST
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: Hello and welcome!
Ranji Trophy 2025 Final Live Score, Vidarbha vs Kerala: This final is by itself a reason for Kerala to celebrate. Success in cricket has eluded India's sourthernmost state and only a handful of Kerala players have gone on to play for the national team. Could that all change with a favourable result here? On the other hand are Vidarbha, who reached their first final only in 2018 and went on to win that year, and in the subsequent year as well. They reached the final last season but lost to Mumbai and are now chasing their third title. Vidarbha have gone from being one of the many also-rans for much of the Ranji Trophy's history, to one that has reached the final four times in the last seven seasons.