by Cricket fans across India witnessed something special in February 2025. The Ranji Trophy final brought together two teams with completely different stories.
Vidarbha, the home heroes, were chasing their third title after a heartbreaking loss the previous year. Kerala, on the other hand, was making history by reaching its first-ever final.
This wasn’t just any ordinary cricket match. It was a five-day thriller that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
The vidarbha cricket team vs kerala cricket team match scorecard tells a story of grit, determination, and pure cricket magic.
What made this final so special? Vidarbha had the home advantage at their fortress in Nagpur.
Kerala came as the underdogs, hungry for their maiden silverware. The match ended in a draw, but Vidarbha lifted the trophy thanks to their crucial 37-run first-innings lead.
Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard
This complete guide breaks down every ball, every run, and every wicket from this memorable final.
Whether you’re a cricket statistics lover or someone who just enjoys a good cricket story, this analysis will make you feel like you were sitting in the stadium.
Let’s dive deep into how this amazing final unfolded over five incredible days.
Setting the Stage: Why This Match Mattered So Much
Before we look at the numbers, let’s understand why this match was so important for both teams.
Vidarbha’s Journey:
- Won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019
- Suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Mumbai in the previous final
- Captain Akshay Wadkar promised redemption to their fans
- Six wins out of seven in the group stage
- Knocked out strong teams like Tamil Nadu and Mumbai
Kerala’s Historic Run:
- First-ever Ranji Trophy final appearance
- Led by the calm and composed Sachin Baby
- Shocked everyone by topping their group
- Beat heavyweight teams like Saurashtra in knockouts
- Represented a state where football and volleyball usually dominate
Key Players to Watch:
| Vidarbha | Role | Season Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Yash Rathod | Opener | 960 runs (season’s top scorer) |
| Danish Malewar | Rising star | Breakout season |
| Harsh Dubey | Spinner | Most wickets in the Ranji season |
| Karun Nair | Veteran batsman | Comeback trail |
| Kerala | Role | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Basil Thampi | Fast bowler | Swing wizard |
| Jalaj Saxena | All-rounder | Mystery spinner |
| Aditya Sarwate | All-rounder | Rock-solid batting |
| Sachin Baby | Captain | Unflappable leadership |
The venue was VCA Jamtha in Nagpur, Vidarbha’s home fortress. The pitch offered true bounce and rewarded patient batting. Kerala won the toss and chose to bowl first – a bold decision that would shape the entire match.
The Full Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard: At a Glance
Here’s the complete breakdown that shows how this thrilling final unfolded:
| Innings | Team | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | Vidarbha | 379/10 | 123.1 | 3.07 | All out |
| 1st Innings | Kerala | 342/10 | 125.0 | 2.73 | All out |
| 2nd Innings | Vidarbha | 375/9 (dec) | 143.5 | 2.61 | Declared |
| 2nd Innings | Kerala | Target: 413 | – | – | Match drawn |
Match Result: Draw – Vidarbha won on first-innings lead (37 runs)
Key Match Details:
- Player of the Match: Karun Nair (86 & 135*)
- Toss: Kerala elected to field
- Umpires: J Madanagopal, AK Chaudhary
- Attendance: Packed stadium with loud “Veedarbha!” chants
First Innings Fall of Wickets:
Vidarbha (379/10):
- 20/1 (Rathod – 8.4 overs)
- 43/2 (Shorey – 19.2 overs)
- 254/4 (Wadkar – 81.5 overs)
- 292/5 (Malewar – 98.3 overs)
- 379/10 (Dubey – 123.1 overs)
Kerala (342/10):
- 15/1 (Rohhan – 5.1 overs)
- 48/2 (Azharuddeen – 22.3 overs)
- 131/3 (Sanoop – 54.2 overs)
- 285/5 (Baby – 107.1 overs)
- 342/10 (Thampi – 125 overs)
Day 1: Vidarbha’s Solid Start – Setting the Tone
The first day set the perfect foundation for Vidarbha’s eventual victory.
Morning Session Highlights:
- Kerala won the toss and chose to bowl
- Basil Thampi swung the ball beautifully early on
- Yash Rathod looked in great touch with elegant drives
- Four boundaries in Rathod’s first 20 balls eased the pressure
Key Partnerships:
- Rathod and Dhruv Shorey saw off the new ball expertly
- Both openers played with great patience and skill
- The pitch had a green tinge but wasn’t too difficult for batting
Afternoon Drama:
- Lunch Score: 90/2 – a solid start for Vidarbha
- Rathod fell for 38 runs, chopping one onto his stumps
- Shorey and Karun Nair began a crucial rebuilding job
- Nair showed the patience of a seasoned campaigner
End of Day 1 Situation:
- Stumps Score: 254/4
- Danish Malewar: 73* (not out)
- Karun Nair: 68* (not out)
- Kerala’s bowlers worked hard but couldn’t break the partnership
What Made the Difference:
- Vidarbha’s disciplined batting approach
- Only 2 extras by tea time showed great bowling discipline
- The crowd’s energy created a festival-like atmosphere
- Families in stands with kids waving flags added to the excitement
Day 2: Malewar’s Magic and Kerala’s Fightback
Day 2 belonged to young Danish Malewar, who announced himself on the biggest stage.
Morning Breakthrough:
- The day started misty, perfect for swing bowling
- MD Nidheesh struck early to remove Akshay Wadkar (45)
- Kerala thought they had Malewar, but the young star had other plans
Malewar’s Masterclass:
- Converted his overnight fifty into a career-best 153 runs
- Hit 15 boundaries and 1 six in a brilliant display
- His footwork against spin was pure poetry in motion
- Added 215 runs for the fifth wicket with Nair – a record stand
Nair’s Valuable Contribution:
- The veteran fell for 86 runs, holing out to Eden Apple Tom
- His partnership with Malewar rescued Vidarbha from trouble
- Showed great temperament under pressure
Kerala’s Bowling Fightback:
- Apple Tom grabbed 3/101 with his lanky frame
- Removed Darshan Nalkande (22) and Yash Thakur (14)
- Aditya Sarwate (playing for Kerala) trapped the tail effectively
- Final Score: Vidarbha all out for 379 in 123.1 overs
Kerala’s Reply:
- Started poorly with both openers falling cheaply
- 15/1 and 48/2 put them under immediate pressure
- Sarwate and Sachin Baby steadied the ship with solid batting
- Stumps Score: 131/3, trailing by 248 runs
Day 3: The First-Innings Thriller – Lead Secured by a Whisker
Day 3 was pure drama as both teams fought tooth and nail.
Kerala’s Morning Resistance:
- Sachin Baby batted like a wall – 98 off 234 balls
- His concentration and patience were phenomenal
- Sanoop contributed 32 runs before falling lbw
Vidarbha’s Spin Attack:
- Parth Rekhade spun a web with figures of 3/65
- Harsh Dubey broke records with his 50th wicket of the season
- The wrist-spin wizard finished with 52 wickets – a new Ranji record
The Crucial Partnership:
- Baby and Aditya Sarwate added 80 runs for the fourth wicket
- This partnership kept Kerala’s hopes alive for a big first-innings score
- Both batsmen showed great technique against spin bowling
The Turning Point:
- Nalkande’s bouncer did the trick against Sarwate
- The all-rounder top-edged to fine leg, ending the partnership
- Jalaj Saxena (28) and MD Nidheesh (15) couldn’t stay long
Baby’s Heartbreaking End:
- The captain charged at Rekhade and skied one to deep midwicket
- Karun Nair took the catch to end Baby’s knock at 98 runs
- Just 56 runs short of a well-deserved century
- Kerala bowled out for 342 in 125 overs
The Slim Lead:
- Vidarbha led by just 37 runs – gold in first-class rules
- This narrow margin would prove crucial in the final result
- Kerala rued dropped catches of Malewar (on 10) and Nair (on 50)
Day 4: Vidarbha’s Second Act – Nair’s Masterclass
With the lead in their pocket, Vidarbha aimed to bat Kerala out of the game.
Second Innings Start:
- Rathod and Shorey opened cautiously again
- Kerala struck back quickly with both openers falling
- Thampi removed Shorey (28)
- Apple Tom got Rathod (45)
Nair’s Second Coming:
- The veteran walked in and played like a man possessed
- Unbeaten on 42 at lunch, showing great composure
- Partnered with Wadkar for another crucial stand
- They ground out 83 runs in the afternoon session
Building the Lead:
- Wadkar contributed 38 runs before holing out
- Malewar joined and added 59 runs with Nair
- The young star made 40 runs before falling
- By stumps, Nair was 132 (not out)*
End of Day 4 Position:
- Vidarbha: 249/4, leading by 286 runs
- The pitch had eased out, making batting more comfortable
- Nightwatchman Rekhade survived the final overs
- Kerala’s bowlers toiled hard, with Saxena taking 1/80
The Psychological Advantage:
- Vidarbha was clearly in the driver’s seat
- The lead was building steadily with each session
- Kerala needed early wickets on the final day
- Local fans were already sensing victory
Day 5: Declaration, Drama, and the Trophy Lift
The final day brought the climax this thriller deserved.
Morning Session Progress:
- Nair and Rekhade continued the good work
- They pushed the score to 314/7 by lunch
- The lead had grown to 351 runs – almost insurmountable
- Nalkande (22) and Thakur (18) fell trying to accelerate
The Declaration:
- With time running out, Wadkar declared at 375/9
- Target set: Kerala needed 413 runs in around 60 overs
- Nair finished unbeaten on 135 off 295 balls – a masterpiece
- This was a knock for the ages under pressure
Kerala’s Impossible Chase:
- Baby’s team needed to score at nearly 7 runs per over
- They started aggressively, but Vidarbha’s attack was ready
- Dubey struck first, then Rekhade joined the party
- By tea, Kerala were 50/3 – the chase was effectively over
The Final Moments:
- Stumps Score: Kerala 98/5 with overs remaining
- But time was the real enemy for Kerala
- The umpires called off play as a draw was inevitable
- Vidarbha celebrated its third Ranji Trophy title
Trophy Presentation:
- Wadkar lifted the trophy from BCCI’s Roger Binny
- The stadium erupted with “Veedarbha!” chants
- Baby graciously accepted defeat: “Proud, but next time, we’ll beat you!”
- Kerala coach Amay Khurasiya pocketed pitch soil as a memento
Key Performers: Stars Who Shone Brightest
This final produced several outstanding individual performances:
Top Performers Table:
| Player | Team | Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karun Nair | Vidarbha | 86 & 135* | Player of the Match |
| Danish Malewar | Vidarbha | 153 & 40 | Game-changing partnership |
| Harsh Dubey | Vidarbha | 3/88 & 52 wickets (season) | Record-breaking spinner |
| Sachin Baby | Kerala | 98 runs | Gritty near-century |
| Aditya Sarwate | Kerala | 79 runs | All-round resistance |
Detailed Analysis:
Karun Nair (Vidarbha):
- First Innings: 86 runs – showed great patience and technique
- Second Innings: 135* off 295 balls – a textbook demonstration
- His 295-ball vigil silenced all doubters about his comeback
- Richly deserved the Player of the Match award
Danish Malewar (Vidarbha):
- At just 21 years old, he announced himself on the biggest stage
- His 153-run knock was full of elegant strokes and fearless batting
- The 215-run partnership with Nair changed the game completely
- A star is born in Indian domestic cricket
Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha):
- The wrist-spinner’s 3/88 in Kerala’s first innings was crucial
- His 52 wickets in the season broke all previous Ranji records
- The local boy’s success added to the home team’s advantage
- A genuine match-winner with the ball
Statistical Highlights:
- Vidarbha had four players in the season’s top-10 run-scorers list
- Kerala’s first final appearance across all formats was historic
- The match showcased youth vs experience beautifully
- Home advantage played a crucial role in the final result
What We Learned: Cricket’s Beautiful Lessons
This scorecard teaches us several valuable lessons about cricket and life:
Team Building Lessons:
- Vidarbha’s system of blending academy youngsters with experienced pros works perfectly
- Danish Malewar, with seasoned campaigner Karun Nair showed that age is just a number
- The importance of having local players who understand home conditions
Mental Toughness:
- Kerala’s journey proved that underdogs can achieve the impossible
- Reaching the final was a massive achievement for the southern state
- Their fighting spirit, despite the loss, won hearts across India
The Beauty of Domestic Cricket:
- Ranji Trophy remains India’s real cricket heartbeat
- Every boundary, every wicket, and every partnership builds future stars
- Raw and unfiltered cricket at its absolute finest
Key Takeaways for Young Players:
- Patience pays off – Nair’s approach shows the value of application
- Believe in yourself – Malewar’s confidence inspired a generation
- Team first – Individual brilliance means nothing without team success
- Learn from setbacks – Vidarbha’s previous final loss fueled their success
For Cricket Fans:
- Statistics tell stories – every number in the scorecard has meaning
- Domestic cricket deserves respect – these players are future India stars
- Support local teams – the atmosphere at Nagpur was electric
Wrapping Up: Why This Final Will Linger
The Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard will be remembered for years to come. As players shook hands after five incredible days, Vidarbha’s third title gleamed under the Nagpur lights.
What Made This Final Special:
Record-Breaking Moments:
- Harsh Dubey’s 52 wickets in a single Ranji season
- Kerala’s historic first final appearance
- Danish Malewar’s breakthrough performance at 21
- Vidarbha’s third title in eight years
Emotional Storylines:
- Kerala walked tall despite defeat, richer in experience
- Sachin Baby’s leadership inspired a cricket revolution in Kerala
- Karun Nair’s redemption story after years in the wilderness
- Vidarbha’s recovery from the previous year’s heartbreak
The Numbers That Matter:
- 379 vs 342 – the 37-run difference that decided the trophy
- Five days of pure cricket drama
- Thousands of fans who witnessed history
- One trophy that meant everything to both teams
Looking Forward:
- Kerala will return stronger with this experience
- Vidarbha has established itself as a powerhouse
- Young players like Malewar will represent India soon
- Domestic cricket continues to unearth gems
This final proved that draws aren’t dull when trophies hang in the balance. The scorecard of 379, 342, 375/9 will be etched in Ranji Trophy folklore forever.
For cricket lovers, this match reminded us why we fell in love with the game. It had everything – young talent, veteran wisdom, tactical battles, and pure passion. The Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard represents the very soul of Indian cricket.
Reference Links for Cricket Fans:
- BCCI Official Website – Latest cricket news and scores
- ESPN Cricinfo – Detailed match analysis and statistics
- ICC Official Site – International cricket updates and rankings
- Winners Zine – Latest Cricket Updates
The beautiful game of cricket gave us another memory to cherish forever.
