Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final saw a determined effort from Vidarbha to claw their way back into the contest against Kerala, whose batters were equally good. While Kerala primarily dominated the first two sessions, the Vidarbha bowlers found their mojo in the evening, helping their side gain a match-turning first-innings lead of 37 runs.
The day began with Kerala facing a significant deficit, tasked with responding to Vidarbha's first innings total of 379. The focus was firmly on Kerala's batters and how they would handle the pressure of a high-stakes match.
While most of the Kerala batters chipped in with crucial cameos, it was their captain Sachin Baby, who led from the front and emerged as the top-scorer for his side with a 98-run knock.
Also read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final: Kerala’s Sachin Baby Fights to Tip the Scales Against VidarbhaÂ
Sachin Baby Narrowly Misses Century As Vidarbha Bowls Out Kerala
In the bid to stamp his authority, Sachin Baby went for a slog sweep off left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade but only managed to find the hands of the fielder at the deep mid-wicket region. The southpaw was batting on 98 at the time of his dismissal.Â
After Sachin’s wicket, Kerala fell like a pack of cards. From 324/6, they got reduced to 342/10. Rekhade got the better of Jalaj Saxena and Eden Apple Tom, while Harsh Dubey dismissed MD Nidheesh.Â
As Kerala's innings ended at 342, Vidarbha gained an important 37-run lead. If the match now ends in a draw, Vidarbha will lift the trophy on the basis of the first-innings lead.
