Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 Final: Vidarbha vs Kerala Ends in a Draw, Danish Malewar Shines

Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final: Vidarbha and Kerala Share Honors in a Stalemate

The Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 final between Vidarbha and Kerala ended in a gripping draw at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. Danish Malewar’s stellar 153 in the first innings earned him the Player of the Match award, while Harsh Dubey was named Player of the Series for his all-round brilliance. Vidarbha posted 379 and 375/9 in their two innings, with Karun Nair scoring a crucial 135 in the second innings. Kerala, in response, managed 342 in their first innings, led by Sachin Baby’s fighting 98. The match remained competitive throughout, but neither team could force a decisive result.

Scorecard

Vidarbha 1st Innings: 379 all out (Danish Malewar 153, Karun Nair 86; Nedumankuzhy Basil 3/60)
Kerala 1st Innings: 342 all out (Sachin Baby 98, Sarwate 79; Harsh Dubey 3/88, Parth Rekhade 3/65)
Vidarbha 2nd Innings: 375/9 decl. (Karun Nair 135, Danish Malewar 73; Aditya Sarwate 4/96)

Match Drawn | Player of the Match: Danish Malewar | Player of the Series: Harsh Dubey

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Joy. Tears. Pride ????????

They lift the title by virtue of taking the 1st innings lead against Kerala in the Final ????

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— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) March 2, 2025

A Battle of Resilience Ends in a Draw

The much-anticipated Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 final between Vidarbha and Kerala at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur concluded in a gripping draw, marking the end of an intense domestic season. Despite the match ending without an outright winner, it was a contest filled with stellar performances, tenacious batting, and some outstanding individual displays. Danish Malewar was adjudged the Player of the Match for his crucial knock in Vidarbha’s first innings, while Harsh Dubey, the left-arm spinner, secured the Player of the Series award for his consistent contributions throughout the tournament.

First Innings: Vidarbha Responds to Kerala’s Challenge

Kerala, after winning the toss and opting to bowl first, saw Vidarbha put up an impressive total of 379 in their first innings. Danish Malewar played a masterful knock of 153 off 285 balls, holding the innings together. He found solid support from experienced campaigner Karun Nair, who contributed 86 runs. While Vidarbha’s top order struggled initially, losing wickets early, Malewar’s resilience and strokeplay, combined with Nair’s steady approach, steered the team to a strong total.

Kerala’s bowlers had moments of brilliance, with Nedumankuzhy Basil and Eden Apple making crucial breakthroughs. Basil picked up three wickets, while Eden Apple chipped in with two, ensuring that Vidarbha did not run away with a mammoth first-innings score.

Kerala’s Fightback: Sachin Baby Leads the Charge

In response, Kerala managed to post 342 in their first innings, thanks to their captain Sachin Baby’s determined knock of 98. Despite falling just short of a well-deserved century, Baby played a crucial role in stabilizing Kerala’s innings. Contributions from Sarwate (79) and Ahammed Imran (37) helped Kerala narrow the gap.

Vidarbha’s bowlers kept Kerala under check, with Harsh Dubey delivering an exceptional spell, bagging three wickets. Parth Rekhade also played a key role, claiming three dismissals and breaking partnerships at crucial junctures.

Second Innings: Karun Nair and Darshan Nalkande Take Center Stage

With only a marginal lead, Vidarbha approached their second innings with caution, eventually declaring at 375/9. Karun Nair, once again proving his mettle, stood tall with a magnificent 135 off 295 balls, anchoring Vidarbha’s innings and ensuring they had a strong total on the board. Danish Malewar continued his impressive form, scoring 73, while Darshan Nalkande played a vital lower-order knock of 51 not out, frustrating the Kerala bowlers.

Aditya Sarwate was the pick of the bowlers for Kerala, scalping four wickets and keeping Vidarbha’s batters in check. His spell ensured that Kerala still had a fighting chance, but the clock was ticking, and the match seemed to be heading towards a draw.

Final Day: A Hard-Fought Contest with No Winner

As the final day progressed, Kerala’s hopes of chasing down a stiff target or forcing a dramatic result faded away. Vidarbha’s bowlers bowled disciplined lines, ensuring Kerala did not gain any momentum. With time running out and wickets intact, both teams eventually shook hands, concluding a well-contested Ranji Trophy final in a stalemate.

While the lack of an outright result may have left fans craving for more, the match showcased the resilience and skill of both teams. Vidarbha, despite not securing a win, dominated crucial phases of the game and emerged as the more balanced side.

Danish Malewar and Harsh Dubey Shine

Danish Malewar’s stellar knock of 153 in the first innings and his composed second-innings contribution earned him the Player of the Match award. His ability to anchor the innings under pressure was a key highlight of the final.

Harsh Dubey, on the other hand, was consistent throughout the tournament, making significant contributions with both bat and ball. His impactful performances across matches rightfully earned him the Player of the Series honor, cementing his status as one of the brightest prospects in Indian domestic cricket.

Conclusion: A Well-Fought Finale with Promising Takeaways

While neither team could clinch the trophy outright, the match delivered enthralling cricket, with both Vidarbha and Kerala displaying grit and determination. The performances of Danish Malewar, Karun Nair, Sachin Baby, and Harsh Dubey were standout moments, indicating the depth of talent in Indian domestic cricket.

The Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 final may have ended in a draw, but it showcased everything that makes first-class cricket special—resilience, patience, and high-quality performances. As domestic cricket continues to be the breeding ground for future stars, this final served as another reminder of the exciting talent emerging in the Indian cricketing circuit.