Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final came to a close with Vidarbha showing their resilience to end up on top versus Kerala. Centurion Danish Malewar added to Kerala’s misery, extending his dominance in the final session of the day’s play.
Although the Kerala bowlers looked disciplined, Malewar and Karun Nair exuded class and patience. The Kerala bowlers were made to toil hard by the duo after Vidarbha found them in a spot of bother early on in the day when they lost three wickets for just 24 runs.
From there on, a momentum-changing 215-run stand for the fourth wicket paved the way for Vidarbha’s recovery. Malewar ended the day undefeated at 138 runs, while Nair scored a useful 188-ball 86.
Also read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final: Danish Malewar, Karun Nair Leads Vidarbha’s Fightback vs KeralaÂ
Danish Malewar Gives Vidarbha Edge; Karun Nair Gets Run-Out
Malewar, who had already brought up his ton with a boundary, continued on his merry way in the final session of the day. Throughout his knock, he showed both the sides of his batting, balancing aggression and displaying patience as per the situations.
Talking about Nair, he scored a valiant half-century. Like Malewar, he too put up a great fight, helping Vidarbha come out of crisis. However, he got dismissed in an unfortunate manner as a run-out sent him packing.
After Nair’s dismissal, Yash Thakur joined Malewar at the crease. Before the umpires called play, Thakur could score five runs off 13 deliveries.
Vidarbha would be a more happy team at the end of Day 1. They were 24/3 in the morning session and at the close of play, Akshay Wadkar and Co. were 254/4 in 86 overs on a pitch that is offering help to the pacers.
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