NEW DELHI: A critical run-out of Karun Nair (86) following confusion with Danish Malewar (138 not out) prevented a well-deserved century, yet their resilient partnership elevated Vidarbha to 254/4 at close of play on the first day of the Ranji Trophy final versus Kerala in Nagpur on Wednesday.
After Kerala’s pace attack reduced Vidarbha to 24/3 at the VCA Stadium, Nair and Malewar orchestrated a remarkable recovery through their 215-run fourth-wicket alliance, spanning 414 deliveries across all sessions, balancing defensive play with calculated aggression.
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The partnership concluded unexpectedly when both batsmen attempted an impossible run, resulting in Nair’s dismissal just 14 runs shy of his hundred.
Kerala, having struggled for a breakthrough for nearly 68 overs, utilised the second new ball in the 82nd over. Eden Apple Tom’s delivery outside off-stump swung considerably, causing wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen to move rightward between himself and first slip.
The ball eluded both fielders, prompting Nair and Malewar to attempt a run. However, Rohan Kunnummal at second slip swiftly retrieved and threw to the striker’s end, catching Nair short of his ground.
Nair’s innings (86 off 188 balls, 8x4s, 1x6s) proved crucial for Vidarbha’s recovery while guiding his younger partner effectively.
The 21-year-old Malewar, batting at number four, achieved his career-best score of 138 not out from 259 deliveries, marking his second First-Class century in his debut season.
Building on his recent scores of 75 and 79 in knockout matches, Malewar demonstrated excellent stroke play both through midwicket and long-on, whilst also scoring effectively through the off-side, accumulating 14 fours and two sixes.
The hosts’ innings began nervously on the green surface, with Kerala’s seamers applying significant pressure. MD Nidheesh (2/33) excelled with the new ball, exploiting movement off the pitch and through the air, securing three wickets for Kerala in their first Ranji final appearance.
Nidheesh struck immediately, trapping Parth Rekhade lbw with an inswinger on the second ball. Darshan Nalkande (1) departed after 21 deliveries, while Dhruv Shorey (16) edged behind to Azharuddeen off Eden’s bowling, leaving Vidarbha in early trouble.
Brief scores: Vidarbha 254/4 in 86 overs (Danish Malewar 138*, Karun Nair 86; MD Nidheesh 2/33) vs Kerala.
