Table of Contents
Vidarbha took a narrow but vital first-innings lead of 37 runs against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy final, thanks to an outstanding bowling performance by young left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey. On Friday, Dubey etched his name in the history books by claiming his 69th wicket of the season, surpassing Bihar’s Ashutosh Aman, who took 68 wickets in the 2018-19 season.
A Historic Milestone for Dubey
Dubey’s journey to the record was a test of patience and skill. He dismissed Aditya Sarwate to claim his 67th wicket, then removed Salman Nizar to equal the record. The long wait for his historic 69th wicket finally ended when he trapped MD Nidheesh leg-before, sealing his place as the highest wicket-taker in a single Ranji Trophy season.
Vidarbha, having posted a first-innings total of 379, dismissed Kerala for 342, giving them a slim advantage in a closely contested final. Kerala captain Sachin Baby played a valiant knock of 98, falling just short of a century, while Aditya Sarwate contributed a gritty 79.
Kerala’s Resistance Falls Short
Despite resilient efforts from their key batters, Kerala struggled to maintain momentum:
- Sachin Baby (98) stood firm but fell to an aggressive stroke, caught at deep midwicket.
- Salman Nizar (21) and Mohammed Azharuddeen (34) got decent starts but failed to convert them into big scores.
- Jalaj Saxena (28) and Eden Apple Tom (10) tried to hold the lower order together but managed just 13 runs in a 70-ball stand.
Dubey (3/88), along with Darshan Nalkande (3/52) and Parth Rekhade (3/65), ensured Kerala couldn’t push ahead.
Vidarbha Holds the Edge
With a first-innings lead in the final, Vidarbha has taken a crucial step toward the Ranji Trophy title. The focus will now be on how their batters build on this advantage in the second innings. Meanwhile, Dubey will look to extend his record-breaking tally and lead Vidarbha’s charge toward victory.
Brief Scores:
Vidarbha 379 in 123.1 overs (Danish Malewar 153, Karun Nair 86; MD Nidheesh 3/61, Eden Apple Tom 3/101) lead Kerala 342 in 125 overs (Aditya Sarwate 79, Sachin Baby 98; Darshan Nalkande 3/52, Harsh Dubey 3/88, Parth Rekhade 3/65) by 37 runs.
