Karun Nair capitalized on a reprieve to score an unbeaten 132, propelling Vidarbha into a commanding position with an overall lead of 286 runs by the end of Day Four in the Ranji Trophy final in Nagpur on Saturday. Nair’s fourth century of this Ranji Trophy season—and his ninth overall, including five in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—solidified Vidarbha’s dominance and put them on the brink of securing their third Ranji Trophy title.
With only one day of play remaining, Vidarbha have taken full control of the summit clash of the 90th Ranji Trophy. Nair’s resilient 280-ball knock extended their first-innings lead of 37 runs to a formidable 286, leaving Kerala with a monumental task on the final day.
The turning point came in the 19th over when Kerala’s Akshay Chandran dropped a routine catch at first slip off Eden Apple Tom’s bowling, with Nair on 31. The delivery was short and took the edge of Nair’s bat, but Chandran failed to hold onto the ball despite it being within his grasp. From that moment, Nair made the most of his opportunity, delivering a masterful century that kept Kerala at bay throughout the day.
Danish Malewar also played a crucial role for Vidarbha at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, building on his first-innings 153 with a determined 73. However, Nair’s innings was the standout performance, marked by 10 fours and two sixes. His celebration upon reaching the century milestone was fitting: he removed his helmet, waved it to the dressing room along with his bat, and signaled ‘9’ with his fingers to highlight the number of centuries he has scored this season across two tournaments.
Nair’s strokeplay was elegant and consistent, as it has been throughout the season, with the senior batter scoring runs on both sides of the wicket. However, Vidarbha’s day did not start smoothly. Veteran spinner Jalaj Saxena struck in the second over to dismiss Parth Rekhade, and Mohammed Azharuddeen’s brilliant catch in the third over sent Dhruv Shorey back to the pavilion. These early setbacks reduced Vidarbha to 7/2, with an overall lead of just 44.
But Nair and Malewar steadied the ship with a third-wicket partnership of 182 runs, effectively taking the game away from Kerala. Malewar eventually fell for 73, edging a delivery to Sachin Baby at first slip off Chandran’s bowling. Yash Rathod (24) added 49 runs with Nair for the fourth wicket before being trapped lbw by Aditya Sarwate.
Vidarbha’s strong position now puts them in the driver’s seat as they aim to clinch their third Ranji Trophy title, while Kerala face an uphill battle to turn the tide on the final day.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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