476 runs with the bat and a historic 69 wickets in the season for Harsh Dubey of Vidarbha. He wins the Player of the Tournament Award.

Emotional moment for Kerala!

Their head coach took the soil off the pitch on which they played their first-ever Ranji Trophy final.

Heartbreak for them as they faced defeat against Vidarbha. #RanjiTrophy #RanjiTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/wIeV5I3mgL

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 2, 2025

🏆𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑴𝑷𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺

Vidarbha win the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 title by beating Kerala in the final.

They win their third Ranji Trophy title with an undefeated season.

Congratualtions to Vidarbha!#ranjitrophy2025 #RanjiTrophyFinal #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/GXDvRzlF7T

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 2, 2025

It is all over now for sure. The lead now crosses 400!

Nalkande and Yash Thakur have also put up a good show with the bat for the last wicket. 

Vidarbha 364/9 and leading by 401 runs

Welcome back from the break. 

It will be interesting to see how Sachin Baby tries to set his field now. He has not been very proactive and waited for the Vidarbha team to make their mistakes. 

But, with the game already out of their grasp, it will be interesting to how they go about their business.

The game is now nearly over as Vidarabha's lead goes past 350. 

In the first session on Day 5, Vidarbha did not look to score that many runs but to play time. 

Although they have lost three wickets doing that, they would be pretty happy to see where they are at currently. 

Vidarbha 314/7 and leading by 351. 

Are we going to see anything special here?

The ball kept a tad low and Sarwate was on the money this time. 

Wadkar goes after 25 off 108 balls. 

Vidarbha leading by 320 runs. 

Around the stumps and at 138kmph the youngster was able to get the swing back into Harsh Dubey, who missed the line completely.

The ball thudded onto the front pad. 

Dubey took DRS with the hope that it would go down the legside. But, it looked out from the first.

Vidarbha 279/6 and leading by 316 runs. 

Most hundreds across formats in a domestic season in India! (First-class+List A+T20)

Karun Nair with 9 tons across formats in the 2024-25 season has now equalled the record of VVS Laxman's 1999-00 season.

Sachin's record of 10 tons is still untouched. #RanjiTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/bdS6hNu9Zb

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) March 2, 2025

Finally, Kerala gets the better of Karun Nair.

Nair, on 135, tried to step out against Aditya Sarwate and the ball turned just enough to beat the bat. 

Mohammed Azharuddeen did the rest to dismiss him. 

Vidarbha 261/5 and leading by 298 runs.

Welcome to Day 5, where history will be made. Vidarbha are ahead to become champions for the third time while Kerala will try to fight till the last ball for their maiden title. 

This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you all the updates of the final day of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final.

Stay tuned and enjoy the coverage. 

Slip, short leg and silly point in place now. Sarwate maintaining the legstump line to try and get one to turn viciously.

Four!! Karun steps down the track and lofts one past the bowler for four. A maiden from Jalaj to finish the day.

Vidarbha extend the lead to 286 at the end of day four.

VID 249/4.

Wadkar and Karun defend their way through the last half hour of play. Only four runs scored in the last four overs. 

VID 243/4.

Wadkar almost hands a catch to mid off with a leading edge off his first ball.

Just a single of Jalaj’s over. 

Sarwate gets one to turn in to the left-hander after pitching outside off.

Rathod pinned in front on the backfoot. Umpire says no but Kerala overturns the decision with a review. 

A couple of twos in Chandran’s next. Vidarbha’s lead moves past 270.

The two batters at the crease look like they will bat all day tomorrow as well. Hardly anything that has troubled them so far. 

VID 235/3.

Three singles of Jalaj’s next. Four!! Full outside offstump from Chandran, Karun sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. 

Jalaj returns, concedes just a single off his over. Karun brings out a fine paddle sweep against Sarwate, picks up two runs.

Pushes a full ball to long off to retain strike. 

Rathod skips down the track against Chandran, and whips one to deep cover for a single.

Sarwate gets one to turn past Karun’s front foot defence. 

Four!! Rathod brings out the sweep against Chandran, finds the gap through square leg.

Six runs from the over. Sarwate concedes just a single off his over. 

Karun Nair has made a huge statement ahead of the England Test tour, Vidarbha under big trouble in second innings and then Karun stands tall & scored a terrific Hundred in the final.

VID 189/2.

Saxena back into the attack, replacing Chandran. Malewar brings out the sweep to get a single to deep fine.

An excellent diving effort at deep fine prevents a boundary after Karun sweeps a full ball fine. 

VID 187/2.

Akshay Chandran has been introduced in place of Sarwate. Karun, Danish manage to eke out eight runs from the next two overs without much effort. 

VID 171/2.

Three from Jalaj’s next.

Vidarbha’s lead has now swelled to 200.

VID 163/2.

Karun comes down the track against Sarwate, lofts it right over mid on for a six.

Comes down the track again, this time lofts it over mid off and clears the fence again.

150 partnership up between the two. Three more added to the tally as Karun turns one fine past the keeper. 

Jalaj from the other end after the drinks break. Quick off-spinner on the stumps, defended off the backfoot.

Turn again, beats the batter and the keeper and runs away for two byes. Outside off, pushed to mid off for a couple. 

VID 144/2.

Maiden over but harmless for the batters. 

Eden returns. Full down the leg side, beats the keeper’s dive but he manages to get a finger on it and run a bye.

Malewar picks up a double to deepmidwicket. Four!! Full outside off, driven through mid off for a boundary. Five runs off the Jalaj over. 

Eden back into the attack. Four singles from the over. Malewar brings up his fifty with a backfoot push to cover.

165-run lead for Vidarbha.

Malewar guides a back-of-a-length ball to third man to bring up the 150-run lead for Vidarbha.

Nidheesh gets his second warning for tresspassing. Both of Kerala’s frontline pacers now one more instance away from being barred from bowling. 

Jalaj in from the other end. Turn and bounce, clips Malewar’s pads but flies past leg slip for a single.

Four!! Straighter one, takes the outside edge but runs past Sachin at slip to the fence. 

Vidarbha 119/2 in 42 overs.

It started as Kerala's session but ended as Vidarbha's one. 

A few chances, one huge missed opportunity and Kerala have not shown the intensity against Nair and Malewar, they had shown against the openers. 

Nair is unbeaten on 42 and Malewar is not out on 38. 

Vidarbha 90/2 and leading by 127 runs. 

Did they just drop the Ranji Trophy?

Akshay Chandran at the first slip drops a sitter.

Eden Tom with some pace and bounce surprised Karun Nair. From the short of good length, the ball bounced a bit higher and caught Nair's gloves.

The ball popped up in the air and Chandran had a very easy catch to grab. 

Nair survives and the partnership for the third wicket now moves to 50.

Vidarbha 57/2. 

Karun Nair is doing what he has done throughout his career, saving teams from trouble.

He has thrown the kitchen sink at everything away from his body. Meantime, he has also shown respect to balls bowled around off-stump. 

Eden Tom has shown great pace while the ball now has started to keep a tad low as well. 

Nair is batting on 30 from 54 balls and Vidarbha are now leading by 84 runs. 

Well, well, well!

As we were saying Kerala will be looking for early wickets and they have got that. 

Jalaj Saxena first cleaned up Parth Rekhade and a stunning catch from Azharuddeen off Nidheesh sent Dhruv Shorey back to the pavilion. 

But, they now will have to break the partnership of Malewar and Nair, who bailed out Vidarbha in the first inning. 

Vidarbha 17/2 and leading by 52 runs. 

Hello and Good morning to everyone! 

This is Koushik Biswas, who will start the day with early updates for you. Later on, my colleague Payal Debnath will bring you updates on the match. 

Vidarbha got the lead last evening and they will start batting. They would hope to carry the momentum. Meantime, for Kerala, this is now a do-or-die situation.

To win their maiden Ranji Ttitle they will now have to bowl Vidarbha out quickly and then chasse down the total in the second inning. 

So, we are in for some cracking contest. 

From 324/6 to 342 to all-out. 

Kerala would be disappointed not to get the lead in the first inning. Parth Rekhade clean-bowled Eden Tom as the tailender went for a big shot. 

Parth Rekhade finished with three wickets in the first inning, and so did Harsh Dubey.

Vidarbha have a 37-run lead in the first inning.

History! 

Harsh Dubey gets his historic 69th wicket and becomes the bowler with the most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season. 

MD Nidheesh was trapped in the front of the wicket by the left-arm spinner. The DRS agreed with the on-field umpire's decision. 

Kerala 338/9, trailing by 41 runs. 

The break does the trick for Vidarbha. 

Captain Akshay Wadkar was injured and he needed treatment. The break helped them to get back in the game. 

Jalaj went for a sweep and the ball went through him to hit the timber. 

Kerala 337/8 and trailing by 42 runs.

After the dismissal of Sachin Baby, Jalaj Saxena and Eden Tom have shown resilience against Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade.

Although the runs have dried up, they have been tight defensively. A few close calls came but, Jalaj has survived. 

Kerala 337/7 and trailing by 42 runs.

What has he done? 

On 98, on his 100th first-class match, with an open field, Sachin Baby went down on his knees and tried a big shot to reach his ton. 

Rekhade's ball spun a bit, and he only managed a top edge to deep mid-wicket where Karun Nair took an easy catch. 

It is a shame that he could not reach the landmark after so much toil. 

Kerala 324/7 and trailing by 55 runs. 

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, SACHIN BABY?

On 98, Sachin Baby went down on his knees and tried a big shot. He was caught in the deep midwicket by Karun Nair off Rekhade.

Kerala 324/7, trailing by 55 runs. #RanjiTrophyFinal LIVE: https://t.co/7degeFMLoy#RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/HzsY4aMzCL

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) February 28, 2025

Edge and goes to the third man but Jalaj Saxena won't mind. 

Kerala crossed 300 and they are trailing by 79 runs.

This time the DRS could not save him.

Pitched outside off and Mohammed Azharuddeen went for the flick and missed the ball completely. 

He went after 34 off 59 balls. 

Kerala 278/6

Another huge decision. Another massive DRS. 

DRS saves Mohammed Azharuddeen. 

Again it was Parth Rekhade, whose ball came in after pitching and then went with the angle against the right-hander. The on-field umpire gave it out and after a hesitation, Azharuddeen took the DRS.

In the replay, we saw the ball was completely missing the stump. Relief for Kerala. 

Kerala 250/5. Baby 62* and Azharuddeen 19*.

It is massive for Kerala and their fans. 

Sachin Baby survives. Parth Rekhade from around the wicket to the left-hander pitched in the middle and spun back sharp to hit the pad.

It was given out on the field. Sachin took the DRS right away. 

In the replay, we saw a faint edge from the bat onto the pad. It was very close. Kerala captain survived. 

Kerala 234/5.

Harsh Dubey did the magic with the ball again. 

The ball came back sharp from offside and hit the front pad of Salman Nizar. 

Anil Chaudhary gave it out and Nizar did not waste any time to take the DRS. 

The review revealed that it was hitting the stumps. Kerala lost their fifth wicket and also the DRS. 

Mohammed Azharuddeen joins Baby post-lunch. 

The Kerala captain leads from the front as he reaches his fifty!

At lunch on Day 3, Kerala 219/5. Sachin Baby is unbeaten on 52 from 109 balls. 

They are trailing by 160 runs. 

Salman Nizar has been proactive since coming to the crease. Sachin Baby meantime has been able to rotate the strike as well. 

Kerala now cross 200 and they trail by 179 runs in the first inning. 

Baby is batting on 39 while Nizar is unbeaten on 15. 

Harsh Dubey does the job for Vidarbha again.

He flights it high and the ball dipped in front of Sarvate. It bounced high enough to hit the splice of the bat and it pooped in the air for an easy catch to Malewar. 

Dubey needs two more to break the record for most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season. 

Sarvate goes for 79.

Salman Nizar comes to the crease for Kerala. 

Kerala 170/4. 

The game started at 9.20 in the morning and since then it has been all Kerala. They have been excellent with the bat with two of the most senior players out there for them.

Aditya Sarvate continued his great touch from last night while Sachin Baby, who is playing his 100th first-class concentrated well as well. 

They have now put up a fifty stand between them and Kerala have not lost any wicket in the first hour of Day 3. 

Hello everyone. Good morning. This is Koushik Biswas with the early updates of the Day 3 of Ranji Trophy final between Vidarbha and Kerala. 

As we all know Day 3 is the moving day of any five-day game. Kerala have fought back hard and he onus will be on them to make things happen. 

As of now, it looks like the game might be decided in the first inning itself. 

Let's see what happens. 

Akshay Karnewar comes in for his first over of the game.

Sachin cuts a short ball through point for a single on the last ball.

Four!! A late, late cut from Sarwate against Rekhade, beats the slip fielder and short third and gets to the boundary. 

Four!! Full outside off, Sarwate opens his wrist and guides it past gully to the fence for four. 

Nachiket Bhute replaces Thakur. Sachin flicks a back-of-length ball to deep fine for a single, legbyes given. 

Outside edge and four!! Sachin gets the rub of the green against Harsh Dubey, the ball goes between keeper and slip and runs away. Seven from the over. 

Short ball from Thakur, Sarwate puts his hands up and defends. Cops a hit on the gloves. 

Harsh continues. Two singles from the over. Thakur with his fifth over, full on leg stump, appeals for lbw but there was bat involved. A single brings up Sarwate’s fifty!

Kerala also brings up its 100 after another Sarwate single to deep square. 

Nalkande continues. Four!! Overpitched outside off, driven through extra cover for a boundary.

Four!! Back of a length outside off, this time he rocks back and punches it through point for another four. Textbook batting from Sarwate. 

Good running between the wickets added three runs to the scorecard for Kerala in the 19th over.

Sarvate batting steadily on 36* off 57. 

Sarwate rock solid in defence, prods fully forward to smother the turn. Maiden over. 

Rekhade from the other end. Imran pushes one to deep point for a couple.

A forward press and another run to point for the southpaw. Four!! Slightly down leg, Sarwate helps it down leg with a sweep through fine leg. 

Vidarbha (1st Inn): 379 (123.1); Danish Malewar 153 (285), Karun Nair 86 (188), Nachiket Bhute 32 (38)

Kerala: MD Nidheesh 28.1-7-61-3, Eden Apple Tom 31-6-102-3, Basil N 24-6-60-2

Kerala (1st Inn): 57/2 (14), trail by 322 runs; Aditya Sarwate 31* (40), Ahamed Imran 10* (32), Akshay Chandran 14 (11)

Vidarbha: Darshan Nalkande 4-1-8-2

Tea on Day 2!

Another intriguing session.

Vidarbha were all out for 379!

Kerala have moved to 57/2 in reply.

Aditya Sarwate & Ahammed Imran are at the crease. #RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaeNzR pic.twitter.com/hq8bkRnHjl

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 27, 2025

Aditya Sarwate has added 31* off 40 and was accompanied by Ahamad Imran 10* off 32 to bring Kerala back from the early blow.

Kerala 57/2 in 14 overs as we head into the tea break.

Sounds of Timber 🔊

Darshan Nalkande provides early breakthroughs for Vidarbha after they posted 379 in the first innings 🔥#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaeNzR pic.twitter.com/GjCFxgI48H

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 27, 2025

Aditya Sarwate (18* off 19) and Ahamed Imran (9* off 18) are holding onto the crease to steady the ship for Kerala.

Nalkande takes two in two as Kerala are in huge trouble!

Following Yash Thakur's expensive second over that gave away 13 runs, Nalkande came back in action and broke Akshay's stumps with an inswinger!

Akshay Chandran dismissed at 14 off 11.

Kerala 14/2 in 2.3 overs.

Rohan Kunnummal (0 off 3) returned to the pavilion following a yorker from Nalkande that was dribbled into the stumps by Kunnummal.

Kerala 1/1 in 0.5 overs.

First ball of the 123th over and Nachiket Bhute bows out making 32 off 38. 

Vidarbha's first innings comes to and end. 

35 overs bowled, 119 runs and 5 wickets in a intense first session in the Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy Final 2024-25.

Vidarbha: 373/9 (121); Nachiket 28* (29), Harsh 10* (24)

Kerala: Eden Tom 31-6-102-3, Basil N 24-6-60-2

Lunch on Day 2!

Another action-packed session!

1⃣1⃣9⃣ runs
5⃣ wickets

Vidarbha move to 373/9 with Harsh Dubey & Nachiket Bhute at the crease.#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/xqOWdRpeBm

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 27, 2025

Kerala fails to wrap things up before the lunch, as Nachiket Bhute and Harsh Dubey made Kerala bowlers sweat.

38 runs added to the scorecard by them, as the first session ends.

Vidarbha 373/9 in 121 overs.

Nachiket clears it off the fence with a huge sixer against Saxena!

Batting on 25* off 23, including 1 four and 2 sixes!

Bhute is looking to add quick runs to Vidarbha's scorecard.

Good over from Eden, only two runs from the 118th.

Vidarbha 360/9 in 118 overs.

Saxena delivered an expensive 117th over, giving 12 runs away including a six and a four.

Nachiket Bhute takes Vidarbha to 352 in style, with a six over the long off in the very first ball.

Vidarbha 352/9 in 116.1 overs.

Nachiket is on fire, batting on 16 off 13.

Vidarbha 346/9 in 116 overs.

Eden Apple Tom takes a huge wicket of Wadkar in the 114th over.

Vidarbha 336/9 in 114 overs.

Akshay Wadkar tries to smash the short ball from Eden toward off-side, but edges it behind and Azharuddeen catches it well!

The Captain returns to the pavilion, making 23 off 49. Nachiet Bhute comes up at the last wicket.

Vidarbha 335/9 in 113.3 overs.

Successful maiden over fromm Saxena along with a wicket.

Vidarbha 333/8 in 111 overs.

Kerala took a review for a lbw, but the DRS showed the wickets are missing.

New batter Harsh Dubey is safe as of now.

Following 13 runs from the 110th over, Saxena comes in attack.

Karnewar drives the first ball at cover, but Kunnummal flies to his left to take a stunning one-handed catch!

Kerala takes Vidarbha's eighth, Karnewar departs at 12 off 22.

Vidarbha 33/8 in 110.1 overs!

Rohan Kunnummal at it again 🙌

After the brilliant run out of Karun Nair, he pulls off a fantastic catch to dismiss Akshay Karnewar 🔥#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/RG0K3Jcmax

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 27, 2025

Luck favours Karnewar as a boundary comes up in Basil's last ball of the over, five in total.

Vidarbha 320/7 in 108 overs.

Two runs off Basil's over, Vidarbha 313/7 in 106 overs.

Akshay Wadkar not out on 11* off 20, accompanied by Akshay Karnewar on 6* of 13.

Vidarbha complete reaching the 300-run mark, currently on 302/7 in 102 overs.

Eden Apple Tom delivers it around the wicket, Yash Rathod nicks it, and Kunnummal makes no mistake in taking the catch at the slip!

Big wicket for Kerala, Rathod returns making only 3 off 13.

Vidarbha loses their seventh, batting on 297/7 in 100.3 overs.

Vidarbha's inning has now faced 100 overs as they are batting at 297/6 in 100 overs.

Two of Vidarbha's highest run-scorers this season, Yash Rathod and Akshay Wadkar are on the crease.

Basil angled in that delivery and it hit the pad in the middle wicket, Thakur is lbw!

Vidarbha loses their sixth wicket as Yash Thakur returns on 25 off 60 balls.

Captain Akshay Wadkar will join Yash Rathod on the pitch.

Vidarbha 295/6 in 99.4 overs.

Just a single from Nidheesh's over, as Vidarbha is edging closer to the 300-mark.

Vidarbha 295/5 in 99 overs.

Basil dismissed Danish Malewar to pick up Vidarbha's fifth wicket.

Yash Thakur and Yash Rathod are on the pitch.

Vidarbha 290/5 in 96 overs.

Basil breaks the off-stump with a brilliant delivery, almost a nip-backer to finally remove Danish Malewar!

Huge breakthrough for Kerala!

Malewar returns to the pavilion on 153 off 285 deliveries as Yash Rathod comes on to bat.

Vidarbha 290/5 in 95.3 overs.

Danish Malewar and Yash Thakur complete a 51* run partnership off 78 in the sixth wicket.

Danish Malewar contributed 21 off 36 as Yash Thakur made 23 off 42 balls.

Vidarbha 290/4 in 95 overs.

Danish Malewar brings 🆙 his 1⃣5⃣0⃣ in style as well 🙌#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/YSDCCvdxFG

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 27, 2025

Only a single comes off Basil's over.

Vidarbha 284/4 in 92 overs.

Danish Malewar is not stopping any soon.

The 21-year-old batter reaches the 150-run mark, currently bating on 152* off 273.

Vidarbha 280/4 in 90 overs.

Big appeals for lbw! Nidheesh very interested but Sachin doesn’t look convinced.

Good call from the captain. Flicks the next one to deep fine for a single. Four!! Back of a length, Danish punches through cover for a boundary. 

Jalaj into the attack. Yash Thakur whips one to midwicket for a couple. A single off the last ball of the day.

Vidarbha finishes on 254/4 in 86 overs.

Yash Thakur comes in at 6. Nidheesh back into the attack.

Four byes to start Eden’s over. Full ball on the stumps, Danish drives through the legside for a double. 

Vidarbha 246/4 in 84 overs.

Kerala opts against taking the new ball. Two singles from the over. Eden into the attack.

WICKET!! Kerala finally have the breakthrough! A direct hit from Rohan Kunnummal sends Karun back to the dugout.

The misfield at slip opened up an opportunity for a run but Danish sends his experienced partner back. 

Vidarbha 239/4 in 82 overs.

Sarwate into the attack. Two runs from the over. Chandran continues. Four!! Full outside off, Karun brings out the sweep shot to bring a boundary.

Four!! Slightly shorter, plays a late cut through third man for a boundary. 

The mid off fielder gets a hand to it but Karun’s drive races to the fence for four.

An overthrow gives Vidarbha a single off Akshay’s over. 

Basil continues. Just a single from the over. Chandran with his fourth over. Just a single from his over. 

Basil NP into the attack. Length ball on middle stump, flicked wide of mid-on for a comfortable two. 

Chandran continues. Three singles from the over. 

Huge appeal for lbw from Eden. Umpire says no and Sachin Baby opts not to take the review. Was going down leg. 

Chandran continues. Four!! Danish whips one past short midwicket and finds the boundary. 

Vidarbha 210/3 in 70 overs.

Eden returns to the attack. Karun brings out a controlled pull to deep midwicket for a single. Eden manages to get one to rap the pad on the way to deep third, but the ball was pitching down leg comfortably. 

Jalaj continues. Danish flicks one to deep square for a single. Four!! A touch short, Karun rocks onto his back foot and punches one through point for a boundary.

💯 for Danish Malewar 👏

Brings it up in style with a 6⃣ & a 4⃣👌

He's soaked in the pressure & produced a solid knock 💪#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/Wp0mp33SCO

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2025

Sarwate to Danish, whips a length ball through square leg and brings up his second FC hundred!!

Karun defends a leg-stump ball to the legside for a single. 

Vidarbha 170/3 in 58 overs.

Sarwate replaces Jalaj from the other end. Oh!! Almost a chance! Danish dances down and looks to lift one down the ground.

Goes in between silly mid on and long on. Six!! Danish steps down the track and lofts one down the ground for six. Moves to 99. 

Vidarbha 161/3 in 55 overs.

Danish flicks a length ball from Basil to midwicket for a couple. Into the 90s now.

Jalaj continues. Danish pushes one off the backfoot to long on for a single. Two from the over. 

Vidarbha 153/3 in 54 overs.

Danish Malewar & Karun Nair have played some cracking strokes on their way to stitching a 100-run stand 💪#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/Da5yqnHNdQ

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2025

Only two singles in the 47th over, as Vidarbha's score stands 131/3 in 47 overs.

Three knockout games and 21-year-old Danish Malewar has managed a 70+ score in each of the three matches in his debut #RanjiTrophy season.

— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) February 26, 2025

Vidarbha started the second session in the same manner as they ended the first session.

Steady and compact batting from the host side.

Facing 190 deliveries, Danish Malewar (70* off 129) and Karun Nair (35* off 82) have added 100 runs in partnership to the scorecard.

The two batters have steadied the ship for Vidarbha!

Vidarbha 126/3 in 44.5 overs.

Karun Nair and Danish Malewar have taken Vidarbha back in the business.

Suffering early blows, the Vidarbha team are now looking to score a huge total.

Danish Malewar made a huge half-century against the fierece Kerala bowlers. He reached 51 in 104 deliveries.

Currently, the Vidarbha batter is batting on 68* off 110 balls.

Danish Malewar is currently batting on 45* off 101, closing in on his personal half-century. 

Early blows from Kerala's bowling attack picked up three Vidarbha wickets, whereas Karun Nair and Danish Malewar are putting up a resistance. They combined for a 50-run partnership, leading Vidarbha to a steady inning.

Vidarbha: 81/3 (32); Danish Malewar 38* (88), Karun Nair 24* (48)

Kerala: MD Nidheesh 9-5-11-2, Eden 11-2-39-1

Lunch on Day 1!

An intriguing morning session.

8⃣1⃣ runs scored
3⃣ wickets taken

Danish Malewar (38*) & Karun Nair (24*) have steadied the ship after the loss of three early wickets#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/lZj3JY47GO

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2025

The first session ends as the teams are heading into the lunch break.

Danish Malewar is batting on 36* (79) and Karun Nair is on 23* (45).

Vidarbha 78/3 in 30 overs.

Danish Malewar contributed 35 off 75 and Karun Nair amassed 20 off 37 to complete their 50-run partnership in 97 deliveries.

Vidarbha 74/3 in 28.2 overs.

Karun Nair pulls off the first six of Vidarbha's first innings against Sarvate, as Vidarbha stand at 73/3 in 27 overs.

A good over for Vidarbha, seven from the  24th.

Vidarbha 58/3 in 24 overs.

Vidarbha reach 50 in 21.5 overs.

50/3 after the end of the 22nd over.

Great over from Nidheesh as he puts up another maiden.

Vidaarbha 47/3 in 20 overs.

Just one sleep away from the #RanjiTrophy Final ⏲️

A milestone-filled, record-breaking Finale awaits up 🔥#RoadToFinal | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/cvNZV144VD

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 25, 2025

Triple Treat 🙌

Excellent fast bowling 🔥

Pacers have provided a good start to Kerala, picking up 3⃣ early wickets 👌#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/L5s0b9jt6S

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2025

Vidarbha are now eyeing to get the momentum back, as Karun Nair and Danish Malewar are looking for a steady partnership.

Danish Malewar 6* (26) and Karun Nair 4* (7) are batting for Vidarbha.

15 overs are up as Vidarbha is at 28/3.

Eden delivered a beautiful good-length ball as Shorey nicked it to the edge, as Azharuddeen takes a briliant catch.

Shorey bows out on 16 (35).

Karun Nair is out at 5.

Vidarbha 24/3 in 13 overs.

Dhruv Shorery 14* (24) and Danish Malewar 6* (14) are batting for Vidarbha.

Vidarbha 22/2 in 10 overs.

There was a strong lbw appeal from Nidheesh as he seemed to pick up Shorey, but the DRS sticks to the not out decision by the umpire.

Vidarbha 22/2 in 8.2 overs.

Four out of four maidens from Nidheesh, while he picked up both wickets of Vidarbha.

Vidarbha 11/2 in 7 overs.

Vidarbha lose their second wicket!

Nidheesh with a short ball delivery as Nalkande hit it high, and Basil takes an easy catch deep in the mid-wicket.

Nalkande (1 off 21) goes back to the pavilion as Danish Malewar is at 4.

Vidarbha 11/2 in 6.3 overs.

Nidheesh has put up three maidens out of the three overs he has bowled so far.

Brilliant from the Kerala pacer.

Vidarbha 7/1 in 5 overs.

Seeven runs from Eden in his second over, as Vidarbha are on 7/1 in 4 overs.

Dhruv Shorey 5* (11) and Nalkande 1* (12) are batting.

Dhruv Shorey opens Vidarbha's account with a boundary in the first ball of the fourth over, following three maidens.

Vidarbha 5/1 in 3.1 overs.

Kerala put up two consecutive maidens in the first two overs of the day.

Eden Apple Tom delivers another maiden in the second over after Nidheesh in the first.

Vidarbha 0/1 in 2 overs.

Great start from Kerala and Nidheesh, Vidarbha lose Rekhade early.

Kerala brings a huge blow on Vidarbha in the second ball of Day 1, as Parth Rekhade goes back to the pavilion on duck (0 off 2). Nidheesh picks up the wicket with an LBW and a successful DRS review!

Darshan Nalkande has come up to bat at third.

Sachin Baby (C), Rohan Kunnummal, Akshay Chandran, Salman Nizar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Edhen Apple Tom, Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarwate, Ahammed Imran, Nidheesh MD, Basil NP.

Akshay Wadkar (wk) (C), Dhruv Shorey, Danish Malewar, Karun Nair, Yash Rathod, Parth Rekhade, Harsh Dubey, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Akshay Karnewar, Yash Thakur.

Kerala won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Vidarbha will open the first inning.

Hello from Nagpur 👋

It's the big one. The final of the #RanjiTrophy 🔥

🚨 Toss Update: Kerala captain Sachin Baby has won the toss & elected to bowl against Akshay Wadkar-led Vidarbha.#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaeNzR pic.twitter.com/PRVi9hmdVp

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2025

Match: Vidarbha vs Kerala - Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final

Date: 26 February to 2 March 2025

Time: 9:30 am IST

Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.

Vidarbha secured its spot in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final after it beat Mumbai by xx runs in the semifinal on Friday in Nagpur.

Kerala’s journey to the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy final was historic, marked by crucial wins and first-innings leads, culminating in a dramatic semifinal against Gujarat.

We have the finalists after months of First-Class cricket action.

Vidarbha and Kerala will face off at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur from February 26 to 30.

While Kerala qualified for the final after a thrilling final day’s action against Gujarat, Vidarbha beat defending Mumbai by 80 runs to enter its second consecutive final. 

Vidarbha wins by 80 runs and qualifies for its second consecutive final.

Harsh Dubey completes his fifer as Mohit Avasthi is trapped in front going for a reverse-sweep. 

The Kerala and Gujarat players are shaking hands and that is a draw.

Kerala declares at 114/4 and qualifies for its first ever Ranji Trophy final.

Vidarbha are pushing fort the final wicket as soon as possible!

The second session has ended, as Kerala are batting on 93/4 in 39 overs.

Kerala, leading by 95 runs.

Jalaj Saxena 23* (74) and Ahamed Imran 8* (31) are batting for Kerala.

Imran is holding onto the ground with a steady inning, currently batting on 8 off 31 balls. 

Kerala 93/4 in 38.5 overs.

Parth Rekhade breaks Tanush Kotian's (26 off 374) middle stump, as Mumbai's ninth wicket falls.

Mumbai 273/9 in 88.4 overs as Royston Dias comes on to bat.

Vidarbha, only a wicket away from entering the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final!

Mumbai need 136 runs, as Vidarbha need 2 wickets to win.

Kerala are batting on 85/4 in 35 overs. 

Only four runs, from a single boundary in the last 18 deliveries.

Yash Thakur dismantles Shardul's stumps with a brilliant in-swinger!  

Vidarbha finally dismisses the biggest threat so far, as Shardul falls after a brilliant 66 off 124 deliveries.

Vidarbha, now only need 2 wickets.

Mumbai 254/8 in 84.5 overs as Mohit Avasthi comes on to bat.

Kerala are leading by 83 runs in total, whereas they are on 81 for 4 wickets in 30 overs.

Hingrajia and Desai both bagged two wickets each.

Sachin Baby is caught in the slip, though he was dismissed by Hingraja with a clear lbw!

The Kerala captain only adds 10 off 19.

Kerala lose their fourth wicket under a hundred, as Ahamed Imran comes on to bat.

Kerala 81/4 in 29.2 overs.

Nachiket Bhute will open Vidarbha bowling with the second new ball.

Shardul Thakur hits a four in the very first ball of the 83rd over, leading Mumbai to 250 runs.

Shardul, batting on 66* off 117 balls, and Mumbai are on 250/7 in 82.1 overs.

Mumbai need 155 runs to win, whereas Vidarbha need 3 wickets.

We are definitely edging closer to a great last session!

With a 73-run lead, Jalaj Saxena and Sachin Baby are batting for Kerala.

71/3 in 27 overs.

Tanush Kotian started his inning with a four, and now he is batting on 10* in 11 balls.

Mumbai need 168 runs to win.

Vidarbha will chase after the final 3 wickets.

Siddarth Desai sends Kunnummal back to the pavilion with an lbw.

Kunnummal 32 (69) also loses another DRS review for Kerala!

Kerala's third wicket falls on 67 in 23.4 overs.

Captain Sachin Baby will come on to the pitch.

Kerala are on a 69-run lead.

Finally, Vidarbha has broken the partnership between Shardul Thakur and Shams Mulani as the latter goes back to the pavilion.

A direct hit from Danish Malewar breaks the wicket, as Mulani bows out on 46 off 94.

Huge breakthrough for Vidarbha as they need 3 more wickets to stamp the victory.

Mumbai 227/7 in 77 overs, Tanush Kotian comes on to bat.

Shardul Thakur and Shams Mulani complete a noteworthy and steady 100-run partnership in 167 overs!

Can they lead Mumbai to an iconic win?

Kerala are composed on a 59-run lead, eyeing to bat till the final session.

Kunnummal and Saxena on the pitch, as Kerala are on 57/2 in 20 overs.

Shardul and Mulani are eyeing an iconic century of partnership in the chase!

Mumbai need 186 runs to claim an unforgettable victory.

Vidarbha must find the breakthrough, as they need 4 wickets in total.

Jayswal appealed for an LBW, which was given by the umpire.

However, Saxena called for a review, and the umpire's call overturned the decision.

Saxena, safe and not out on 10* in 15 balls.

Kerala 52/2 in 19 overs.

'Lord' Shardul has completed a commendable half-century to bring back Mumbai in the contest.

Shardul, now not out on 51 in 88 balls.

Mumbai 218/6 in 74 overs.

The finger was up from the Umpire, but Shardul Thakur quickly took the review.

The ultra-edge review shows that there was a connection with the bat first, as the decision is overturned.

Vidarbha will have to wait for the breakthrough!

Mumbai 211/6 in 72 overs.

There was a strong appeal from Gujarat bowlers, but the review shows ball pitching was outside off, as Gujarat lost their final review.

Kerala 33/2 in 16 overs.

Mumbai have reached the 200-run mark in 69.2 overs, and now they are on 202/6.

Shardul and Mulani complete an 80-run partnership as well.

Varun Nayanar goes back to the Pavilion after making 1 (11).

Jalaj Saxena comes on to bat.

Kerala 31-2 in 14.5 overs.

Mumbai are batting on 191/6 in 65 overs.

Shardul is on 35* (58) and Mulani is on 32* (66).

Kerala have put up 30/1 in 12 overs, with Chandran bowing out in the previous over.

Mumbai are batting on 180 for 6 wickets in 63 overs.

Shams Mulani is not out on 30* (61) and is accompanied by Shardul Thakur who is on 26* (51).

Kerala batted for 10 overs in the second inning, as the first day of the final session has just ended.

They are on 26/0 in 10 overs, leading for 28 runs.

Kunnummal is not out on 15* in 32 balls, and Chandran is batting on 9* (30).

1⃣ wicket in hand
2⃣ runs to equal scores
3⃣ runs to secure a crucial First-Innings Lead

Joy. Despair. Emotions. Absolute Drama! 😮

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/kisimA9o9w#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #GUJvKER | #SF1 pic.twitter.com/LgTkVfRH7q

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 21, 2025

Shardul Thakur and Shams Mulani are trying to build up some resistance against Mumbai, as they complete a 50-run partnership in 83 deliveries, studded with 53 dot balls.

Mumbai still need 230 runs in 60.2 overs.

Kunnummal sent Desai straight to the gallery in the last ball of the sixth over.

Kerala on 19/0 in 6 overs.

Kunnummal is batting on 12* (19) and Chandran is on 5* (19).

57 overs are bowled, as Mumbai are now on 156 for 6 wickets.

They need 250 runs in 65 overs to stamp a brilliant win!

Shardul Thakur is batting on 17* (38), and Shams Mulani on 18* (45).

Kerala are on 4/0 in 2 overs in the second inning.

Lead by 6 runs.

Mumbai are on 144/6 in 54 overs.

They need 262 runs to win, whereas Vidarbha need 4 wickets.

HISTORY! ONE RUN. It is that that one run again! For the first time in 74 years and 352 games, Kerala qualify for the #RanjiTrophy final after securing a nerve-racking first-innings lead over Gujarat in Ahmedabad. Absolute box-office finish. pic.twitter.com/CwQio7u3iJ

— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) February 21, 2025

Nagwaswalla' shot hit Azhar's helmet and the ball went high, but Sachin Baby caught it on the second attempt!

Kerala bowls out Gujarat for 455, only 2 runs short of Kerala!

Kerala move to their first Ranji Final by the barest of margins against Gujarat.

They qualified for the semis taking a 1-run lead in the QFs.

Gujarat is trying to defend their last wicket in search of a tie. In case of a tie, Gujarat will go through due to league table positions.

Akash Anand finally goes back to the pavilion in the 47.3 overs. 

The wicket-keeper batsman managed 39 in 143 balls, putting up some resistance against Vidarbha.

Harsh Dubey picks up his fourth for 48, after bowling 22 overs.

Mumbai, now, 134/6 in 50 overs.

Vidarbha have sent half of the Mumbai batting line-up back to the pavilion, as the reigning champions are batting on 121/5 in 45 overs.

Mumbai need 285 runs in 76 overs to win, whereas Vidarbha need 5 wickets.

In response to Kerala's mammoth 457, Gujarat is on 449/9 in 168 overs.

Gujarat is trailing by 10 runs.

At the end of Day 4, Mumbai need 323 runs to win and they have seven wickets in hand. They will have to go for the runs, otherwise they will automatically lose the semi-final if they settle for a draw. They are 83/3 with Shivam Dube in the crease.

In other match, Gujarat have closed down the gap between them and Kerala with a fighting first-inning batting. They are now 429/7 and trail by 28 runs. The first inning will decide the match for sure. 

Mumbai need to make the highest successful chase in the history of the Ranji Trophy to win a place in the final. The highest successful chase in Ranji Trophy history is 378 for Railways against Tripura in 2023-24. 

Jaymeet Patel scores a fighting fifty for Gujarat as they cross 400 in reply to Kerala's 457 in the first inning. Gujarat 400/7. 

Yash Rathod finally nicks Tanush Kotian to Ajinkya Rahane in the slips. He is dismissed for 151, with season's tally of 933, 10 runs behind the highest run-getter of the season. Meanwhile, Mumbai will have to chased down the target of 406 in four sessions! That's an iconic number… pic.twitter.com/60fSwunIFV

— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) February 20, 2025

Gujarat 222/1 vs Kerala

Vidarbha 147/4 vs Mumbai 

Yash Rathod and Akshay Wadkar have rescued Vidarbha and taken its lead to 250.

However, Rathod, who is on 56, seems to be struggling with cramps and is receiving some treatment from the physio in the middle. 

Aarya Desai is clean bowled by N. Basil for 73, and Kerala finally breaks the ominous opening stand.

Tanush Kotian traps Dhruv Shorey in front and Vidarbha loses its fourth wicket.

Vidarbha 63/4 in 24 overs. 

Karun Nair has to go for 6 runs off 17 balls as Shams Mulani strikes.

Nair reviewed this after the on-field umpire gave it out and Vidarbha ends up losing its second review as ball-tracking shows this would have hit leg-stump.

Vidarbha 52/3, leads by 165 runs. 

Priyank Panchal brings up his fifty off 96 balls with a risky lofted shot off Aditya Sarwate.

He launched the ball down the ground and mid-on almost got to it running towards the boundary from inside the circle.

Gujarat 119/0 in 34 overs. 

Prayank Panchal and Aarya Desai bring up the 100-run opening stand for Gujarat.

Kerala’s 457 is still some distance away but this partnership will definitely worry Sachin Baby’s team.

Danish Malewar hands a return catch to Shams Mulani, and Vidarbha loses its second wicket.

Vidarbha leads by 153 runs with eight wickets in hand. 

Vidarbha 40/2.

Parth Rekhade breaks the partnership for Vidarbha. He gets the better of Tanush Kotian with a left-arm spinner's dream delivery. 

The ball pitched on around the leg stump with a drift and then went on to beat the beat to rattle the stumps. 

Mumbai 248/8 and trail by a huge 135 runs. 

Kerala fold at 457 as Gujarat captain Chintan Gaja goes past 200 First Class wickets with Basil NP nicking one to the slips. Mohammed Azharuddeen remains unbeaten on 177 and he wouldn't be too happy with the way the innings has finished this morning. #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/fjQ9PiD8jF

— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) February 19, 2025

Hi, Good morning everyone. This is Koushik Biswas with a few brief updates on day 3 until Payal Debnath joins you later in the day. 

Day 3 is always the moving day of a red-ball game. We expect fight back from teams but there is always a chance that a team runs away with the game. 

Remember, the first innings lead is always a crucial thing in Ranji Trophy games like this. However, with a few more days in hands, there is always a chance of a result as well. 

Stay tuned. 

Mumbai 188/7, trails by 195 runs vs Vidarbha

Kerala 418/7 vs Gujarat

Azharuddeen is still going strong for Kerala. 

The right-hander is currently unbeaten on 134 runs off 276 deliveries. His partnership with Imran is now worth 36. 

Kerala will be happy with how the day has went thus far. Not losing many wickets gives them the flexibility to either go hard at bowlers or take their advantage tomorrow.

KER 391/6 vs GUJ.

Rekhade picks one more in the same over.

Shivam Dube departs for a duck. Pitched straight and turned away from the batter, and Dube fails to read the trajectory of the ball as he nicks it to the slip fielder.

Surya tried to defend a full delivery on the front foot but it took a deflection off his bat, hit his pads and landed into the hands of Malewar.

No so lucky this time Rahane. He tries to block Rekhade’s short pitched delivery on the back foot but it takes a bottom edge and the ball rolls towards the stumps.

Suryakumar Yadav is the next batter in. 

Rahane is trapped leg before and the umpire raises his finger but the buzzer went off right after, indicating that Yash Thakur has over-stepped.

Yash goes back of a length on the middle, Lad tries to block a straightish delivery by is beaten for pace. 

And bowled.

Salman Nizar brings up his half century with a six over long on. 

Jayswal overpitched it, Salman advanced down the track and smoked it for a six to bring up his 50 in 185 balls.

Mohammed Azharuddeen became the first Kerala batter to score a hundred in a Ranji Trophy semifinal, after he crossed the three-figure mark against Gujarat in Ahmedabad.

Azharuddeen (109) and Salman (42) have given a superb platform for the second half of the batters for Kerala.

The two have added 121 runs in 281 deliveries for the sixth wicket and have ensured that Kerala is firmly in the driver’s seat.

Lad and Anand, meanwhile, have been steady and have stitched a 120-ball 45-run partnership. 

Lad and Anand have put on a small partnership of 25 runs off 54 deliveries to help Mumbai towards the 50-run mark.

But the defending chammpion still has a long way to go as it trails by 338 runs.

Mohammed Azaharuddeen completes his century!

The Kerala batter reaches 100* in 175 deliveries, studded with 13 boundaries!

A very well-constructed and praiseworthy knock from the 30-year-old batsman.

Mumbai are trying to bounce back from Mhatre's early dismissal as they are now on 33/ in 10 overs.

Akash Anand 16* (31) and Siddhesh Lad 6* (15) are batting for Mumbai.

Mohammed Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar complete a hundred-run partnership in the sixth wicket as they are batting on 103* off 208 deliveries.

Kerala has reached 301/5 in 123.2 overs as Azharuddeen delivered a beautiful cover drive for a four!

Azharuddeen is on the verge of a noteworthy century, as he is batting on 99 off 171 balls!

Kerala 305/5 in 124 overs.

The second session commences.

Vidarbha (1st Innings): 383/10 (107.5); Danesh Malewar 79 (157), Dhruv Shorey 74 (109), Yash Rathod 54 (113), Karun Nair 45 (70)

Mumbai: Shivam Dube 11.5-1-49-5, Royston Dias 18-5-48-2

Mumbai (1st Innings): 19/1 (6); Akash Anand 8* (15), Ayush Mhatre 9 (16)

Vidarbha: Darshan Nalkande 3-1-8-1

Kerala (1st Innings): 293/5 (120); M. Azharuddeen 85* (160), Salman Nizar 28* (90), Sachin Baby 69 (195)

Gujarat: A. Nagwaswalla 25-8-55-2

Mumbai accumulates 19 for 1 in 6 overs, as the first session on the second day comes to an end.

Mohammed Azharuddeen is now batting on 85* (160), building the most responsible knock for Kerala in the first innings.

Nizar is batting on 27* (89) on the other end.

Kerala 293/5 in 120 overs, as the first session ends here!

Darshan Nalkande takes the first blow on Mumbai's innings in the 4.2 overs.

He sends back opener Ayush Mhatre who scored 9 off 16 deliveries.

Siddhesh Lad comes on to bat at third.

Mumbai 18/1 in 5 overs.

Mhatre is on 8* (13), whereas Anand is on 6* (8), as Mumbai started well with 14/0 in 3 overs.

Azharuddeen who looks way resilient, is currently batting on 79* off 149 deliveries.

Kerala 284/5 in 117 overs.

Ayush Mhatre and Akash Anand come on to open the first innings for Mumbai.

On the other end, Darshan Nalkande starts with the ball for Vidarbha.

Mumbai 1/0 in 1 over.

Gujarat bowlers have not found any other breakthrough since Baby's early wicket in the morning.

Azharuddeeen batting on 73* (140), along with Salman Nizar 23* (78)

Kerala 276/5 in 114 overs.

Vidarbha's first innings come to an end with Shivam Dube completing his five-wicket haul!

Vidarbha gets all out for 383 in 107.5 overs!

Shivam Dube picked up his fourth wicket, dismissing Harsh Dubey 18 (27) at 105.3 overs.

Mumbai are now close to bound Vidarbha under 400!

Vidarbha 373/9 in 106 overs.

Chintan Gaja drops another maiden over, as his 5th and 6th come consecutively.

Kerala 267/5 in 110 overs.

Shivam Dube picks up his third in the first innings as Nachiket Bhute bows out at 11 off 18 deliveries.

Darshan Nalkande comes on to bat.

Vidarbha are now much closer to oblivion, currently on 365/8 in 104 overs.

Vidarbha has reached the 350-run mark, as the team is now 354/7 in 102 overs against Mumbai.

Harsh Dubey 13* (20) and Nachiket Bhute 2* (12) on the pitch.

Mohammed Azharuddeen slices a boundary to reach his half-century in 106 deliveries.

Commendable innings from the Kerala wicket-keeper, currently batting on 59* of 100.

Three boundaries in the 104th over from Azharuddeen's bat!

Kerala 257/5 in 104 overs.

Royston Dias sends Akshay Wadkar packing in the first ball of the 100th over. 

The Vidarbha captain gets out at 34 off 62 balls.

Nachiket Bhute comes on to bat.

Vidarbha 346/7 in 100 overs.

Vidarbha Captain Akshay Wadkar is trying to stay in control, currently batting on 33* off 56 balls.

Vidarbha 344/6 in 98 overs.

Kerala wicket-keeper Mohammad Azharuddeen is in the driver's seat at this moment, batting on 40* off 96 deliveries to help Kerala aspire to a bigger total.

Kerala 228/5 in 100 overs.

Shardul Thakur finally bags a wicket, sending Yash Rathod back to the pavilion at 54 off 113 in the 94.5 overs.

Harsh Dubey comes on to bat.

Vidarbha 325/6 in 95 overs.

Yash Rathod completes his half-century, contributing an important innings for Vidarbha!

Rathod, unbeaten at 50*, faced 108 deliveries as he produced six fours.

Vidarbha 320/5 in 94 overs.

Sachin Baby gets dismissed early by Arzan Nagwaswalla in the day's second ball! The Kerala skipper bows out following a great innings of 69 off 195 deliveries.

Kerala 214/5 in 93 overs.

Sportz point continues to bring the updates from the second day.

• Kerala vs Gujarat - Kerala 206/4 
• Vidarbha vs Mumbai - Vidarbha 308/5 

Dias is in to bowl what could be the last over of the day.

Rathod and Wadkar have to survive another over.

Gaja is back to bowl and the new ball is taken.

Kerala reaches 200 as Sachin gets a single.

Gujarat loses an opportunity to dismiss Sachin! Jayswal bowled one wide outside off and turned it into the batter.

Sachin leaned forward and blocked it with his pads, as he did on quite a few occasions.

Gujarat players did not bother to appeal but the ball tracking showed the ball was indeed hitting the stumps! 

Yash Rathod survives a scare at the non-striker’s end.

Malewar’s straight drive took a deflection off Avasthi’s fingers and crashed on to the stumps, and it required a dive from Rathod to get past the crease.

The umpire decided to go upstairs and the replays showed that Rathod was in comfortably.

Just as we speak, Nagwaswalla dismisses Jalaj.

Back of a length and straight, Jalaj tried to cut it late but played it onto his own stumps.

Azharuddeen is the next batter in.

Sachin punches one towards the point region and gets a single to reach 50.

His half century has come in 132 deliveries, and includes six fours.

His partnership with Jalaj is now worth 69 runs.

Dube provides the breakthrough yet again as he dismisses Karun for a 70-ball 45.

Short pitched, outside off, Karun tried to slap it towards covers but it took an outside edge and went into the hands of the keeper. A wicket at an important juncture.

Yash Rathod is in at six.

A similar scenario has unfurled at the Narendra Modi Stadium as well.

Sachin and Jalaj have forged a 61-run partnership and have helped Kerala reach the 15-run mark as well.

If they bat through this day, Kerala will be firmly in the driver’s seat 

Malewar (60 off 123) and Karun (39 off 62) have settled down in the middle.

Their partnership is now worth 72 runs off 135 balls as Vidarbha is in a comfortable position at 216/3.

Danish Malewar gets to his half century with a single off Kotian’s ball. 

He reached the milestone in 107 balls. His partnership with Karun as well is now worth 50 off 105 balls.

Bishnoi traps Jalaj leg before and starts gesturing the DRS appeal right after.

The umpire was unmoved and Gaja decides to take the DRS.

Ball tracking shows that the ball would’ve missed the off stump and by quite a distance.

After conceding a no ball for over stepping, Nagwaswalla bowls one short and outside off, which gets slapped hard by Sachin for a FOUR.

Kotian goes full and Karun whips out his reverse sweep.

He reads the field setup to perfection and places the ball through an unguarded gully region for a FOUR!

Malewar meanwhile is unbeaten at 43 runs off 85 deliveries.

Sachin Baby and Jalaj Saxena have stiched a stable partnership of 27 in 56 deliveries.

They have taken things slow and capitalised on the occasional bad balls thrown at them .

KER - 113/3 

Shams Mulani removes Dhruv Shorey.

Sharp turn away from the batter, he tried to block it, but it took an outside edge and went into the hands of Mumbai skipper Rahane at slips.

Karun Nair is in at five.

Dhruv Shorey has put up praiseworthy resistance against Mumbai, bagging a half-century in the very first session. Royston Dias and Shivam Dube picked up one wicket each for Mumbai.

Day 1 | First session

Vidarbha: 101/2 (30); Dhruv Shorey 60* (91), Parth Rekhade 23 (64)

Mumbai: Royston Dias 7-2-18-1, Shivam Dube 4-0-10-1

Kerala opened the first session in a poised manner, whereas Gujarat took control later, picking up both the openers.

Day 1 | First session

Kerala: 70/2 (33); Chandran 30 (71), Kunnummal 30 (68)

Gujarat: Ravi Bishnoi 9-2-17-1

Vidarbha has accumulated 100 on the scorecard, thanks to Dhruv Shorey who alone contributed 60* (85).

Vidarbha 100/2 in 29.1 overs.

Varun Nayanar is trying to get a hold of the innings, batting on 4* (30).

Sachin Baby is on 1*, after facing 12 balls so far.

30 overs are up as Kerala are on 68/2.

Dhruv Shorey is not out on 57 off 83; as Parth Rekhade goes back to the pavilion, scoring 23 off 64.

Shivam Dube bags the second wicket for Mumbai on the last ball of the 27th over.

Vidarbha 93/2 in 27 overs.

Danish Malewar comes on to bat for Vidarbha.

Ravi Bishnoi has got the second breakthrough for Gujarat as he picks up Rohan Kunnummal's wicket.

Kunnummal goes back to the pavilion after contributing 30 off 68 balls.

Kerala 63/2 in 24.4 overs.

Kerala skipper Sachin Baby is coming onto the pitch, Varun Nayanar on the other end.

Dhruv Shorey took control of Vidarbha's innings in such a fiery manner after losing Taide early.

Shorey has completed his half-century in just 67 deliveries, studded with 8 fours.

Vidarbha 77/1 in 21 overs.

Parth Rekhade is picking up the pace for Vidarbha as he is now on 19* (39).

Dhruv Shorey is just one away from the half-century, batting on 49* (66).

Vidarbha 73/1 in 20.3 overs.

Unlucky for Akshay Chandran as he goes back to the pavilion following a weird run out. 

Aarya Desai sent him back after the batter scored 30 off 71 deliveries, studded with 5 boundaries.

Kerala 61/1 in 22 overs.

Kerala 53/0 in 19 overs.

A steady fifty-run partnership contributed by Chandran who is on 24* (65) and Kunnummal 29* (50) help Kerala cross the fifty-run mark.

Gujarat, still finding the breakthrough.

Vidarbha has crossed 50 runs as they are on 52/1 in 15 overs.

Despite losing Taide quickly, Dhruv Shorey has controlled the other end as he is not out on 38* off 50 deliveries

Rekhade on 7* off 21.

Vidarbha 52/1 in 15 overs.

Gujarat is still looking for the first breakthrough against Kerala, who are looking stable on the pitch.

Kunnummal on 26* (45) and Chandran on 16* (52), currently contributing to a brilliant first-wicket partnership of 43* (97).

Kerala 43/0 in 16 overs.

Atharva Taide goes back to the pavilion after scoring a short inning of 4 off 20, as Royston Dias picks the first wicket for Mumbai.

Vidarbha 48/1 in 13 overs in the first innings on Day 1, session 1.

Dhruv Shorey is batting on a fiery 34* (44), and Parth Rekhade is on the other end, not out on 7* (15).

Kerala are on 33 without loss in 13 overs.

Openers Akshay Chandran and Rohan Kunnummal are respectively on 16* (47) and 16 (32), as the batters are enjoying a steady start in the first session of the Day 1 against Gujarat.

Kerala have won the toss and confidently opted to bat first against Gujarat in Ahmedabad in the first semi.

In the other game, Vidarbha have won the toss and chosen to bat first against Mumbai in Nagpur.

Match: Vidarbha vs Mumbai - Second semi-final

Date: 17-21 February 2025

Time: 9:30 AM IST

Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

Match: Gujarat vs Kerala - First semi-final

Date: 17-21 February 2025

Time: 9:30 AM IST

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad