Ranji Trophy Final: Vidarbha Clinch Crucial First-Innings Lead

Vidarbha clinched a critical first innings lead of 37 runs as Kerala were bowled out for 342 at the end of the third day. Kerala's skipper Sachin Baby top-scored with 98 for his team but his wicket turned out to be a pivotal moment in the day.

Parth Rekhade triggered the collapse picking three of the last four wickets to fall. Baby, two short of his ton, attempted a slog-sweep that went straight into the hands of deep mid-wicket that started the collapse. Rekhade struck another decisive blow soon after when he had the experienced Jalaj Saxena bowled while trying a paddle sweep dimming Kerala's hopes of getting the lead.

Harsh Dubey got the first breakthrough of the day when he had Aditya Sarwate caught at silly mid off. Baby earned enough support to build a couple of useful partnerships. He put on 49 with Salman Nizar before the latter was out LBW to Dubey. Vidarbha's hopes of getting through the lower order was dashed when Mohammad Azharuddeen lent a supporting hand to his captain with a patient 34.

The experienced duo of Baby and Saxena then added 46 before Baby was prised out. The game was turned on its head.

Brief scores:

• Kerala: 342 all out (Sachin Baby 98, Aditya Sarwate 79; Darshan Nalkande 3-52)
• Vidarbha: 379 (Danish Malewar 154, Karun Nair 86; MD Nidheesh 3/61)
• Vidarbha trail Kerala by 37 runs