Vidarbha grabbed a vital first-innings lead over Kerala in the Ranji Trophy final, courtesy an excellent all-round effort. Despite Kerala’s brilliant 98-run innings by Sachin Baby, Vidarbha’s bowlers, spearheaded by left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, saw to it that their control in the high-profile encounter remained intact.
Dubey made history with a record-breaking spell that tore down Kerala’s batting order with precision and skill. His outstanding play led Vidarbha to bowl Kerala out before going past their score, thus taking a firm hold of the match.
Sachin Baby’s fighting innings placed Kerala in the game, but failure to get support from the lower order left them short of taking the initiative. Vidarbha’s batting line-up, on their part, took advantage of the momentum and ensured that they achieved the first-innings lead.
As the final moves along, Vidarbha is all set to charge towards their third Ranji Trophy title, as Kerala has its work cut out to reverse fortunes. With Dubey in sublime touch and batsmen being game, Vidarbha is looking to call the shots in the rest of the match.
