by Cricket fans across India witnessed something truly special in February 2025. The Ranji Trophy final brought together two incredible 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 very first final.
This wasn’t just any ordinary cricket match. It was a five-day thriller that had everything – brilliant batting, smart bowling, and moments that made fans jump from their seats.
The vidarbha cricket team vs kerala cricket team match scorecard tells an amazing story of how 37 runs decided the championship.
What makes this match even more special is how it ended. The game was drawn, but Vidarbha lifted the trophy because they scored more runs in their first innings. It’s like winning by the smallest possible margin in cricket.
Both teams showed incredible fighting spirit. Kerala had never been this close to winning the Ranji Trophy, while Vidarbha wanted to prove they belonged among India’s cricket powerhouses.
The match was played at the VCA Jamtha Stadium in Nagpur, where the home crowd created an electric atmosphere.
Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard
This detailed breakdown will help you understand every important moment, every key decision, and every brilliant performance that shaped this historic final.
Setting the Stage: Why This Match Mattered So Much
Understanding why this final was so important helps us appreciate the incredible performances we witnessed. Let’s look at what both teams brought to this historic encounter.
Vidarbha’s Journey to the Final:
- Previous success: Won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019
- Recent heartbreak: Lost the 2024 final to Mumbai
- Group stage dominance: Six wins out of seven matches
- Knockout victories: Beat Tamil Nadu and Mumbai convincingly
- Key strength: Perfect blend of experienced players and young talents
Kerala’s Historic Achievement:
- First-ever final: Never reached a Ranji Trophy final before
- Giant-killing run: Defeated heavyweight teams like Saurashtra
- Balanced squad: Strong batting, bowling, and fielding combination
- Regional pride: Representing a state where football usually dominates
- Underdog spirit: Playing with nothing to lose mentality
The venue choice also played a crucial role. The VCA Jamtha Stadium in Nagpur has always been a fortress for Vidarbha. The pitch offers true bounce and rewards patient batting, which suited Vidarbha’s style perfectly.
Key factors that made this match special:
- Home advantage vs away challenge
- Experience vs hunger for first title
- Proven champions vs historic underdogs
- Local crowd support vs neutral performance
Kerala captain Sachin Baby won the toss and chose to bowl first. This decision would prove crucial as the match unfolded over five fascinating days.
The Full Vidarbha Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Match Scorecard: At a Glance
Here’s the complete breakdown of all innings that decided this thrilling championship:
Match Summary Table:
| Innings | Team | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Vidarbha | 379/10 | 123.1 | 3.07 | All out |
| 2nd | Kerala | 342/10 | 125.0 | 2.73 | All out |
| 3rd | Vidarbha | 375/9 | 143.5 | 2.61 | Declared |
| 4th | Kerala | 98/5 | 35.0 | 2.80 | Match drawn |
Final Result: Match drawn, Vidarbha won by first innings lead (37 runs)
Detailed Innings Breakdown:
Vidarbha 1st Innings – 379 runs:
- Top scorers: Danish Malewar (153), Karun Nair (86)
- Key partnerships: Malewar-Nair (215 runs for 5th wicket)
- Bowling figures: Apple Tom 3/101, Aditya Sarwate 2/78
- Duration: 123.1 overs across two days
Kerala 1st Innings – 342 runs:
- Top scorers: Sachin Baby (98), Aditya Sarwate (79)
- Key partnerships: Baby-Sarwate (80 runs for 4th wicket)
- Bowling figures: Harsh Dubey 3/88, Parth Rekhade 3/65
- Duration: 125 overs, crucial 37-run deficit
Match-Defining Moments:
- Kerala’s early bowling success
- Malewar’s career-best 153
- Baby’s heartbreaking dismissal on 98
- Nair’s second innings masterclass
- Strategic declaration by Vidarbha
Day 1: Vidarbha’s Solid Start – Setting the Tone
The opening day set the foundation for everything that followed. Kerala’s decision to bowl first looked smart initially, but Vidarbha’s batsmen had other plans.
Morning Session Highlights:
- Toss decision: Kerala chose to bowl on a fresh pitch
- Opening partnership: Steady start despite early pressure
- Bowling attack: Basil Thampi swung the ball beautifully
- Run rate: Cautious approach with occasional boundaries
Key Performances on Day 1:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yash Rathod | 38 | 67 | 6/0 | Out (chopped on) |
| Dhruv Shorey | 52 | 89 | 7/0 | Out (edge to slip) |
| Karun Nair | 68* | 125 | 8/0 | Not out at stumps |
| Danish Malewar | 73* | 98 | 9/0 | Not out at stumps |
Afternoon and Evening Sessions:
- Lunch score: 90/2 – Kerala on top
- Tea score: 180/3 – Momentum shifting
- Stumps score: 254/4 – Vidarbha in control
The crowd atmosphere was electric from ball one. Families filled the stands, children waved flags, and the “Veedarbha” chants echoed throughout the stadium.
What Worked for Vidarbha:
- Patient batting approach
- Rotating strike regularly
- Punishing loose deliveries
- Building partnerships under pressure
Kerala’s Bowling Strategy:
- New ball attack: Thampi and Nidheesh shared the load
- Spin introduction: Jalaj Saxena turned the ball square
- Field settings: Defensive approach after tea
- Extra discipline: Only 2 extras by tea time
Day 2: Malewar’s Magic and Kerala’s Fightback
Day 2 belonged to Danish Malewar, the 21-year-old sensation who announced himself on cricket’s biggest domestic stage.
Malewar’s Record-Breaking Performance:
- Career-best score: 153 runs
- Balls faced: 287
- Boundaries: 15 fours, 1 six
- Partnership: 215 runs with Karun Nair (5th wicket record)
- Time at crease: Over 6 hours of concentration
Morning Session Drama: The day started with Kerala taking quick wickets, but Malewar and Nair built a partnership that changed the match completely.
Partnership Analysis:
| Wicket | Partnership | Runs | Overs | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th | Shorey-Nair | 89 | 28.5 | 3.09 |
| 5th | Malewar-Nair | 215 | 55.2 | 3.89 |
| 6th | Nair-Nalkande | 47 | 12.1 | 3.87 |
Kerala’s Response: After Vidarbha posted 379, Kerala’s reply started poorly. Early wickets put pressure on the middle order.
Kerala’s First Innings Start:
- 15/1: Rohhan dismissed early
- 48/2: Mohammed Azharuddeen followed
- 131/3 at stumps: Sarwate and Baby rebuilding
Key Bowling Performances:
- Darshan Nalkande: 1/25 in 8 overs
- Harsh Dubey: Started his record-breaking spell
- Parth Rekhade: Kept pressure from one end
The weather threat added extra drama to the evening session, but play continued without major interruptions.
Day 3: The First-Innings Thriller – Lead Secured by a Whisker
This was the day that essentially decided the championship. Kerala’s fightback fell just short, giving Vidarbha the crucial first-innings lead.
Kerala’s Batting Resilience:
Top Performers for Kerala:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | Key Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Baby | 98 | 234 | 11 | Drives and cuts |
| Aditya Sarwate | 79 | 165 | 9 | Nudges and glances |
| Jalaj Saxena | 28 | 67 | 3 | Solid defense |
The Heartbreak Moment: Sachin Baby’s dismissal on 98 was the turning point. The Kerala captain charged down the pitch to Parth Rekhade but only managed to sky the ball to Karun Nair at deep midwicket.
Vidarbha’s Bowling Masterclass:
- Harsh Dubey: 3/88 and season record 52nd wicket
- Parth Rekhade: 3/65 with crucial breakthroughs
- Darshan Nalkande: 2/45 with disciplined lines
Why the 37-Run Lead Mattered:
- First-innings lead decides drawn matches
- Psychological advantage for the remaining days
- Pressure shifted completely to Kerala
- Historic significance in tight finals
Missed Opportunities: Kerala dropped several catches that could have changed the match:
- Malewar on 10: Simple catch put down
- Nair on 50: Edge didn’t carry to slip
- Running chances: Direct hits missed
Day 4: Vidarbha’s Second Act – Nair’s Masterclass
With the precious lead in their pocket, Vidarbha aimed to bat Kerala completely out of the match. Karun Nair delivered a masterclass in second-innings batting.
Nair’s Second Innings Dominance:
Statistical Breakdown:
- Final score: 135 not out
- Balls faced: 295
- Boundaries: 14 fours
- Strike rate: 45.76 (perfect for the situation)
- Time at crease: Nearly 7 hours
Building the Lead:
| Session | Score | Lead | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | 150/2 | 187 | Steady progress |
| Tea | 220/3 | 257 | Nair approaching century |
| Stumps | 249/4 | 286 | Nair century completed |
Supporting Cast:
- Akshay Wadkar: 38 runs, captain’s contribution
- Danish Malewar: 40 runs, consistent performer
- Dhruv Shorey: 28 runs, solid start
Kerala’s Bowling Struggles: The pitch had eased considerably by Day 4, making batting much more comfortable.
Bowling Figures Day 4:
- Jalaj Saxena: 1/80 in 25 overs
- Basil Thampi: 1/65 in 20 overs
- Apple Tom: 2/78 in 22 overs
Crowd Reactions: Local fans were in celebration mode. Social media buzzed with #VidarbhaPride posts as Nair inched towards his century.
Day 5: Declaration, Drama, and the Trophy Lift
The final day brought strategic declarations, brave chasing, and ultimately, championship celebrations.
Morning Session Strategy: Akshay Wadkar continued batting until lunch, extending the lead to 351 runs. The declaration came at the perfect time.
Declaration Details:
- Final score: 375/9 declared
- Target set: 413 runs in approximately 60 overs
- Strategic timing: Enough time for the result, not enough for Kerala
Kerala’s Brave Chase:
Chase Progress:
| Overs | Score | Wickets | Required Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 45/1 | 1 | 6.89 |
| 25 | 78/3 | 3 | 7.45 |
| 35 | 98/5 | 5 | 8.25 |
Final Moments: With Kerala struggling at 98/5 and time running out, the umpires called off play. Match drawn, but Vidarbha champions by first-innings lead.
Trophy Presentation:
- BCCI President Roger Binny presented the trophy
- Captain Akshay Wadkar lifted it amid loud cheers
- “Veedarbha” chants filled the night air
- Team celebration continued well into the evening
Post-Match Quotes:
- Wadkar: “Dreams do come true with hard work”
- Baby: “Proud of the team, we’ll be back stronger”
- Malewar: “Best moment of my young career”
Key Performers: Stars Who Shone Brightest
This Vidarbha cricket team vs Kerala cricket team match scorecard featured several outstanding individual performances that deserve special recognition.
Player of the Match – Karun Nair:
Complete Performance Analysis:
- First innings: 86 runs off 175 balls
- Second innings: 135* off 295 balls
- Total contribution: 221 runs in the match
- Strike rate: Perfectly judged for the match situation
- Key partnerships: Crucial stands in both innings
Other Outstanding Performers:
Vidarbha Heroes:
| Player | Role | Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danish Malewar | Batsman | 153 & 40 | Record partnership |
| Harsh Dubey | Spinner | 3/88 & 52 wickets | Season record holder |
| Akshay Wadkar | Captain | 45 & 38 | Leadership under pressure |
| Parth Rekhade | Spinner | 3/65 & 2/45 | Match-winning spells |
Kerala Standouts:
| Player | Role | Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Baby | Captain | 98 & leadership | Nearly turned the match |
| Aditya Sarwate | All-rounder | 79 & 2/78 | Fought till the end |
| Apple Tom | Bowler | 3/101 & 2/78 | Consistent wicket-taker |
| Basil Thampi | Bowler | 2/85 overall | New ball threat |
Breakthrough Performances:
- Malewar’s emergence: From promising youngster to match-winner
- Dubey’s records: Most wickets in Ranji Trophy season
- Baby’s leadership: Inspiring despite the loss
Statistical Highlights:
- Highest partnership: 215 runs (Malewar-Nair)
- Best bowling: 3/65 (Parth Rekhade)
- Most boundaries: 25 (Karun Nair across both innings)
What We Learned: Cricket’s Beautiful Lessons
This historic final taught us several important lessons about cricket and life that extend far beyond the vidarbha cricket team vs kerala cricket team match scorecard.
Team Building Lessons:
Vidarbha’s Success Formula:
- Youth and experience blend: Malewar (21) and Nair (33) partnership
- Local talent development: Academy system producing results
- Mental strength: Bouncing back from the previous year’s heartbreak
- Home advantage: Using familiar conditions effectively
Kerala’s Inspiring Journey:
- Breaking barriers: First final appearance in history
- Team unity: Players from different backgrounds coming together
- Fearless approach: Playing without the pressure of expectations
- Regional pride: Putting Kerala cricket on the national map
Individual Growth Stories:
- Malewar’s breakthrough: Young player seizing big moments
- Nair’s redemption: Veteran proving his worth again
- Baby’s leadership: Captain leading from the front
- Dubey’s records: Hard work is paying off with historic achievements
Cricket Technical Lessons:
Batting Wisdom:
- Patience pays: Long partnerships win matches
- Situation awareness: Adapting to match conditions
- Pressure handling: Performing when it matters most
- Partnership building: Supporting each other through tough phases
Bowling Strategy:
- Consistency matters: Keeping pressure through tight lines
- Spin effectiveness: Using conditions intelligently
- Team bowling: Supporting each other’s efforts
- Death bowling: Finishing innings effectively
Life Lessons from Cricket:
- Persistence: Kerala’s journey shows dreams can come true
- Teamwork: Individual brilliance needs team support
- Handling pressure: Big moments reveal true character
- Learning from failure: Vidarbha bounced back from a previous loss
Wrapping Up: Why This Final Will Linger
As the players shook hands under the Nagpur floodlights, this match had already written itself into Ranji Trophy folklore. The final scorecard – 379, 342, 375/9 – tells only part of an incredible story.
What Made This Special:
- Smallest possible margin: 37-run first-innings lead
- Individual brilliance: Multiple career-defining performances
- Team narratives: Redemption vs breakthrough stories
- Quality cricket: High-class batting and bowling throughout
- Emotional connection: Fans invested in every ball
Historical Significance: This wasn’t just about Vidarbha’s third title or Kerala’s maiden final. It represented the true spirit of domestic cricket in India, where dreams are chased with pure passion.
Future Impact:
- Malewar’s arrival: New star for Indian cricket
- Kerala’s foundation: Building for future success
- Vidarbha’s dynasty: Establishing itself as a powerhouse
- Domestic cricket growth: Inspiring the next generation
For Cricket Fans: Every boundary, every wicket, every partnership in this match reminds us why we love cricket. The vidarbha cricket team vs kerala cricket team match scorecard will be referenced for years as an example of how domestic cricket produces the purest form of the game.
Final Thoughts: Whether you supported the home favorites or the historic underdogs, this final delivered everything a cricket fan could want. It proved that in cricket, as in life, small margins can create lasting legacies.
The trophy may rest in Vidarbha’s cabinet, but both teams won something valuable – respect, experience, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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
