In an eventful morning session of Day 2, the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final between Vidarbha and Kerala witnessed another twist. Akshay Wadkar and Co. were tested by the Kerala bowlers, who after a tiring Day 1, came back hard initially and had reduced Vidarbha to 335/9. But, Harsh Dubey and Nachiket Bhute joined hands for the last wicket to help their side get through this phase.
The session started with Danish Malewar and Yash Thakur at the crease. Malewar, who scored a century on Day 1, brought up another milestone and raised his bat once again to celebrate his 150. However, he could not survive for long following this as Nedumankuzhy Basil cleaned him up at 153.
Soon after, Thakur too departed back to the dressing room as Basil struck again. In the next over, Yash Rathod, who was facing his 13th delivery, also perished. Eden Apple Tom claimed his first victim of the day as Rathod edged the ball to Rohan Kunnummal, who was stationed at first slip.
Vidarbha skipper Akshay Wadkar and Akshay Karnewar forged a mini 33-run stand. Just when Vidarbha seemed to be cruising, Jalaj Saxena broke the partnership. Karnewar played an uppish drive to the fielder at cover, Kunnummal, who dived to his left to grab a stunner.
Wadkar was the ninth batter to fall. Eden in the first over of his new spell took his wicket as Vidarbha were left languishing at 335/9.
Harsh Dubey, Nachiket Bhute Saves The Day
As the wickets fell like ninepins, Kerala had made a remarkable comeback from the position they were in when the play ended on Wednesday. However, an unbeaten last-wicket partnership between Dubey and Bhute rained on their parade.
While Dubey was looking to survive, Bhute was going all guns blazing, looking to score swiftly. His blitzkrieg helped Vidarbha gain back the advantage.Â
At the time of writing, Vidarbha’s score reads 373/9 with Dubey and Bhute batting on 10 and 28 runs respectively.
