by Cricket fans, get ready for an amazing story! The vidarbha cricket team vs kerala cricket team match scorecard tells us about one of the most exciting Ranji Trophy finals ever played.
This wasn’t just any regular match – it was five days of pure cricket drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Picture this: A crisp February morning in Nagpur, with the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium packed with excited fans.
The air was buzzing with energy as two underdog teams fought for India’s most prestigious domestic cricket trophy.
Vidarbha, the home team, was chasing its third title after a heartbreaking loss the previous year. On the other side, Kerala was making history by reaching its very first Ranji Trophy final.
What made this match special? It ended in a draw, but Vidarbha still won the championship!
How? They secured a crucial 37-run first-innings lead that proved to be the difference between victory and defeat.
This match showed us that cricket isn’t just about big scores or famous players – it’s about young dreamers, experienced veterans, and captains who never give up.
The match was played from February 26 to March 2, 2025, and every single day brought new twists and turns.
Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Whether you’re a cricket expert or someone who just loves a good sports story, this detailed breakdown will make you feel like you were sitting right there in the stadium, cheering with thousands of other fans.
Setting the Stage: Why This Match Mattered So Much
Before we dive into the actual cricket action, let’s understand why this final was such a big deal for both teams.
Vidarbha’s Journey:
- Not a traditional powerhouse like Mumbai or Karnataka
- Won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019
- Lost heartbreakingly to Mumbai in the 2024 final
- Captain Akshay Wadkar promised to bring the trophy back home
Kerala’s Historic Run:
- First-ever Ranji Trophy final appearance
- Led by the calm and collected Sachin Baby
- Defeated strong teams like Saurashtra to reach the final
- Represented a state where football and volleyball usually get more attention
Here’s what made both teams special:
Vidarbha’s Strengths:
- Yash Rathod: Season’s highest run-scorer with 960 runs
- Danish Malewar: Young star player making his mark
- Harsh Dubey: Record-breaking spinner with most wickets in a season
- Home advantage: Playing at their fortress in Nagpur
Kerala’s Key Players:
- Basil Thampi: Swing bowling expert
- Jalaj Saxena: Mystery spinner who could trouble any batsman
- Aditya Sarwate: All-rounder who could bat and bowl
- Team spirit: United group playing for their state’s pride
The VCA Jamtha Stadium in Nagpur was the perfect venue. This ground is known for its true-bouncing pitch that rewards patient batting and good bowling. When Kerala won the toss and chose to bowl first, many experts thought it was a smart move. Little did anyone know that this decision would lead to one of the most memorable finals in recent history.
The Full Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard: At a Glance
Let’s break down the complete vidarbha cricket team vs kerala cricket team match scorecard in an easy-to-understand format. This table shows you exactly what happened in each innings:
| 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 | 143.5 | 2.61 | Declared |
| 2nd Innings | Kerala | 98/5 | 25.0 | 3.92 | Match drawn |
Final Result: Match drawn, Vidarbha won by first-innings lead of 37 runs
Key Match Details:
- Toss: Kerala elected to field
- Player of the Match: Karun Nair (Vidarbha) – 86 & 135*
- Venue: VCA Jamtha, Nagpur
- Match Duration: 5 days (February 26 – March 2, 2025)
- Attendance: Packed stadium with passionate Vidarbha supporters
Top Performers Summary:
| Player | Team | Runs | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danish Malewar | Vidarbha | 153 & 40 | Career-best knock |
| Karun Nair | Vidarbha | 86 & 135* | Match-winning innings |
| Sachin Baby | Kerala | 98 | Missed century by 2 runs |
| Aditya Sarwate | Kerala | 79 | Fighting innings |
Day 1: Vidarbha’s Solid Start – Setting the Tone
The first day began with Kerala winning the toss and choosing to bowl. Captain Sachin Baby thought the fresh pitch would help his fast bowlers. Basil Thampi and MD Nidheesh opened the bowling with high hopes.
Morning Session Highlights:
- Yash Rathod and Dhruv Shorey started carefully
- Rathod hit four beautiful boundaries in his first 20 balls
- Thampi bowled with good swing but couldn’t get early wickets
- Score at lunch: 90/2
The afternoon session saw some crucial partnerships being built. Rathod fell for 38, chopping the ball onto his stumps. But Karun Nair, the experienced former India player, joined Shorey to rebuild the innings.
Key Moments:
- Shorey made 52 before edging to slip
- Young Danish Malewar came in and looked confident
- Both batsmen played with patience and skill
- Jalaj Saxena’s spin was turning sharply
By the end of Day 1:
- Vidarbha: 254/4
- Malewar: 73 not out
- Nair: 68 not out
- Kerala had bowled well, but couldn’t break the important partnership
The crowd was absolutely electric! Families filled the stands, kids waved flags, and the atmosphere felt like a festival rather than just a cricket match. This energy would continue throughout all five days.
Day 2: Malewar’s Magic and Kerala’s Fightback
Day 2 started with misty weather, but the cricket was about to heat up. Kerala struck early when Nidheesh removed captain Wadkar for 45. However, the real star of the day was young Danish Malewar.
Malewar’s Record-Breaking Performance:
- Converted his overnight 73 into a career-best 153
- Hit 15 fours and 1 six
- Showed brilliant footwork against spin bowling
- Added 215 runs with Karun Nair for the 5th wicket
This partnership was absolutely crucial. Nair played the perfect supporting role, scoring 86 before getting out. His experience helped the young Malewar play freely and express his natural talent.
Kerala’s Bowling Efforts:
- Eden Apple Tom took 3 wickets for 101 runs
- Aditya Sarwate cleaned up the tail
- Bowlers worked hard but couldn’t stop Malewar’s flow
- Vidarbha reached 379 in 123.1 overs
Kerala’s Reply: When Kerala started batting, they lost early wickets:
- Rohhan: Out for 15
- Mohammed Azharuddeen: Dismissed for 48
- Score at stumps: 131/3
The day belonged to Malewar, but Kerala showed they wouldn’t give up easily. Sarwate and Baby were building a partnership that could bring them back into the game.
Day 3: The First-Innings Thriller – Lead Secured by a Whisker
Day 3 was when the match really came alive. If Day 2 was about individual brilliance, Day 3 was pure team battle. Kerala needed to get close to Vidarbha’s 379, while the home team wanted to grab a big first-innings lead.
Kerala’s Batting Fight:
- Sachin Baby played like a true captain – 98 runs off 234 balls
- Sanoop contributed 32 before falling to spin
- Sarwate added valuable runs with his 79-run knock
- The partnership between Baby and Sarwate was worth 80 runs
But Vidarbha’s spinners had other plans:
Spin Bowling Magic:
- Parth Rekhade: 3 wickets for 65 runs
- Harsh Dubey: 3 wickets for 88 runs and broke the season record
- Dubey became the first bowler to take 52 wickets in a Ranji season
- Both spinners used the pitch conditions perfectly
The Turning Point: The crucial moment came when Captain Baby was on 98. Instead of playing safely for his century, he charged down the pitch to Rekhade and skied the ball to Karun Nair. This brain fade cost Kerala dearly.
Final First-Innings Scores:
- Vidarbha: 379
- Kerala: 342
- First-innings lead: 37 runs to Vidarbha
Those 37 runs might seem small, but in first-class cricket, every run counts. This slender lead would eventually decide the championship.
Day 4: Vidarbha’s Second Act – Nair’s Masterclass
With a 37-run lead in their pocket, Vidarbha knew they were in the driver’s seat. The plan was simple: bat big and put the match beyond Kerala’s reach.
Second Innings Start:
- Rathod and Shorey opened cautiously again
- Kerala needed early wickets to stay in the game
- Thampi removed Shorey for 28
- Apple Tom got Rathod for 45
Nair’s Masterclass Begins: Then came the innings of the tournament. Karun Nair, already having scored 86 in the first innings, was determined to finish the job. He batted with the patience of a monk and the precision of a surgeon.
Key Partnership:
- Nair and Wadkar added 83 runs in the afternoon session
- Wadkar contributed 38 before getting out
- Malewar joined Nair and added another 59 runs
- The young-old combination worked perfectly
End of Day 4 Situation:
- Vidarbha: 249/4
- Lead: 286 runs
- Nair: 132 not out
- Kerala needed wickets desperately
The pitch was getting easier to bat on, and Kerala’s bowlers were getting tired. Saxena bowled 1 wicket for 80 runs, but couldn’t create enough pressure. A crucial lbw review was overturned in Rathod’s favor, adding to Kerala’s frustration.
Social Media Buzz: Local fans were going crazy on social media. One tweet read: “From nowhere in the newspapers to lifting trophies – this is Vidarbha pride!” The whole city was behind their team.
Day 5: Declaration, Drama, and the Trophy Lift
The final day arrived with Vidarbha in complete control. Nair and Rekhade continued from where they left off, pushing the score higher and higher.
Morning Session:
- Score reached 314/7 by lunch
- Lead extended to 351 runs
- Nalkande made 22, Thakur scored 18
- Time was running out for Kerala
The Declaration: With about 60 overs left in the match, captain Wadkar made the bold decision to declare at 375/9. This set Kerala a target of 413 runs – almost impossible in the remaining time.
Nair’s Final Numbers:
- 135 not out off 295 balls
- Second innings hundred under pressure
- Player of the Match performance
- Showed why he was once an Indian international
Kerala’s Last Stand: Kerala needed to score 413 runs or survive for the remaining overs. They tried to be aggressive early on, but Vidarbha’s bowlers were ready:
- Dubey struck first with his spin
- Rekhade got crucial wickets
- Score at tea: 50/3
- Final score: 98/5 when stumps were drawn
Trophy Presentation: As the umpires called time, Vidarbha players rushed onto the field. Captain Wadkar lifted the trophy from BCCI President Roger Binny while the crowd chanted “Veedarbha!”
Post-Match Reactions:
- Wadkar: “This is a dream come true for all of us”
- Baby: “We’re proud of reaching the final, next time we’ll beat you!”
- Kerala coach even collected some pitch soil as a memento
Key Performers: Stars Who Shone Brightest
Let’s celebrate the heroes of this epic final. These players showed why domestic cricket is the backbone of Indian cricket:
Vidarbha Champions:
Karun Nair – The Player of the Match
- First innings: 86 runs
- Second innings: 135 not out
- Total: 221 runs at a crucial time
- Showed world-class technique and mental strength
- Proved age is just a number in cricket
Danish Malewar – The Young Star
- First innings: 153 (career-best)
- Second innings: 40
- At just 21 years old, he announced himself on the big stage
- 215-run partnership with Nair changed the game
- The future looks very bright for this talented batsman
Harsh Dubey – The Record Breaker
- 3 wickets for 88 runs in Kerala’s first innings
- 52 wickets in the entire Ranji season (new record!)
- His wrist-spin troubled batsmen throughout the tournament
- Became the highest wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy history
Kerala Warriors:
Sachin Baby – The Captain Courageous
- 98 runs in the first innings (missed a century by 2 runs)
- Led from the front with his batting and leadership
- 234 balls of pure determination
- Showed why he’s respected across Indian cricket
Aditya Sarwate – The All-round Fighter
- 79 runs when Kerala needed it most
- Bowled economically with his left-arm spin
- Never gave up, even when the match slipped away
- Perfect example of team spirit
Performance Statistics:
| Category | Player | Team | Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Runs | Karun Nair | Vidarbha | 221 runs |
| Best Individual Score | Danish Malewar | Vidarbha | 153 |
| Most Wickets | Harsh Dubey | Vidarbha | 3 wickets |
| Best Partnership | Nair-Malewar | Vidarbha | 215 runs |
What We Learned: Cricket’s Beautiful Lessons
This vidarbha cricket team vs kerala cricket team match scorecard teaches us several important lessons about cricket and life:
For Young Players:
- Age doesn’t matter if you have talent and determination
- Malewar at 21 showed he belonged on the big stage
- Domestic cricket is where dreams are built
- Hard work in state cricket can lead to bigger opportunities
For Teams:
- Home advantage can be crucial in big matches
- Team balance between youth and experience works
- First-innings lead can decide close matches
- Mental strength is as important as skill
For Cricket Fans:
- Ranji Trophy is India’s real cricket heartbeat
- Every state has talented cricketers
- Underdog stories make cricket beautiful
- Domestic cricket deserves more attention and support
Key Learning Points:
- Patience in batting pays off (Nair’s approach)
- Spin bowling is still effective on Indian pitches
- Captaincy decisions can change match outcomes
- Team spirit helps in difficult situations
Authority Resources for Cricket Fans:
For more information about Indian domestic cricket, check these reliable sources:
- BCCI Official Website: Latest Ranji Trophy updates and scorecards
- ESPNCricinfo: Detailed match analysis and player statistics
- Times of India Sports: Local cricket news and match reports
- Indian Express Sports: In-depth coverage of domestic tournaments
Wrapping Up: Why This Final Will Linger
As the players shook hands and the crowd slowly left the stadium, Vidarbha’s third Ranji Trophy title gleamed under the Nagpur lights. This wasn’t just another cricket match – it was a celebration of domestic cricket at its finest.
What Made This Final Special:
- Two underdog teams fighting for glory
- Record-breaking performances by young and experienced players
- Five days of pure cricket drama
- Home crowd support that lifted the roof
- First-ever final appearance for Kerala
The Numbers That Tell the Story:
- 379, 342, 375/9 – scores that will be remembered forever
- 37 runs – the smallest margin that decided the biggest prize
- 52 wickets – Dubey’s record-breaking season
- 153 – Malewar’s career-defining innings
Why This Match Matters: This final showed us that Indian cricket’s future is in safe hands. Players like Danish Malewar represent the new generation, while Karun Nair proved that experience never goes out of style. Kerala’s historic run inspired an entire state, while Vidarbha’s victory showed that consistent hard work pays off.
The Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard will be studied by cricket fans for years to come. It’s a reminder that in cricket, as in life, small margins can make huge differences. 37 runs separated the champions from the runners-up, but both teams won hearts with their spirited performances.
For Future Generations: This match proves that every first-class player dreams of moments like these. Whether it’s Malewar’s fearless batting, Nair’s masterful technique, or Baby’s leadership, each player showed what makes cricket the beautiful game it is.
The 2025 Ranji Trophy final between Vidarbha and Kerala wasn’t just about runs and wickets. It was about hopes, dreams, and the never-ending spirit of cricket that makes this sport so special. Both teams may have walked away with different outcomes, but they all became heroes in their own right.
Remember: Great cricket matches like this don’t just end when the final ball is bowled – they live on in the hearts of fans and inspire the next generation of cricketers to dream big and play with passion.
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
