Ranji Trophy final Highlights: Vidarbha vs Kerala Day 2 Updates from Nagpur

Right then, the only thing left now is for Akshay Wadkar to go on and lift that coveted trophy, after which the players of Vidarbha join him on the podium and celebrate as they should and pose for a team photograph. That also marks the end of a fascinating Ranii Trophy season and it is Vidarbha who turn their runners-up showing from the last season to a title-winning one. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. Until next time then, take care and goodbye!

Akshay Wadkar, the title-winning and retiring skipper of Vidarbha, starts by saying that today is the day of the hard work they put in throughout the season and it is a happy occasion. Adds that they lost the final last year and their preparations began in the monsoon and each individual worked on themselves and tried to improve their skills and fitness, which ended up with them leading the charts in wickets and runs as well. Mentions that the likes of Yash Rathod and Danish Malewar are a couple of batters who can take the game away from the opposition and goes on to applaud their achievements. Adds that as a player and as a captain if you're playing Ranji Trohy then it is always a dream to win this tournament for this side and thankfully, he was able to achieve that.

Next up, Sachin Baby walks up to the podium and collects the runners-up trophy on behalf of the Kerala team. After this, the players of the winning Vidarbha team come up one by one to collect their winners' medals.

Harsh Dubey is the PLAYER OF THE SEASON for his record-breaking 69 wickets and valuable contributions with the bat as well. He says it is a dream come true moment, they lost the tournament this time around, so they were focused on winning and, importantly to win for their captain, Akshay Wadkar, who is going to retire after this season. He says he worked hard in the offseason. Mentions he takes one game at a time, bowls to his strength and is patient while taking wickets. Shares he loves to bat and wants to be a batting all-rounder rather than a bowling all-rounder. Admits the end goal is to represent India, but he doesn't want to complicate things. He will take some rest and get back to preparations before the next season starts.

Danish Malewar is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH IN THE FINAL! He starts by saying that it was a very good first season for him and he gained a lot of experience and was able to contribute to the team and made an impact in the final. Adds that he was prepared to score big as he was making fifties regularly and luckily, he managed to convert in this game. Adds that Karun Nair has a lot of experience and both of them try to keep things simple and Nair also helps him out in the middle. Mentions that there is quite a bit of difference in the Under-19s and in Ranji Trophy as there are much more experienced bowlers in Ranji Trophy.

Sachin Baby, the skipper of Kerala, says it's a big final for him and his team, they are proud to reach the prestigious final, and admits whoever makes fewer mistakes wins it. Tells it was a fantastic season, they played really good cricket and is proud to lead this team. Mentions that he, as a leader, will take the blame as he feels his shot on 98 changed the course of the game. Admits he wanted to be there for the team to get the lead, he was just playing his game but bad luck came for them. Feels the management has put in a lot of effort. Ends by saying they will definitely beat Vidarbha next time around.

The Presentation ceremony...

Yash Rathod, the top scorer of the Ranji Trophy season 2024-25 with 960 runs, is down for a chat. He says he prepared well for this season and had a plan to complete 1000 runs but he missed out by 40 runs but is very grateful. Mentions there should be purpose and a lot of practise to have such a season. Adds technique is very important and says he keeps working on it. Admits he wants to dominate in all three formats next season.

Usman Ghani, coach of Vidarbha, says it is an exciting moment. Adds it's all about hard work, they followed the process, last year they missed by a whisker. Mentions that the supporting staff have done an incredible job throughout the tournament. He tells he is proud of Harsh Dubey for being the highest wicket taker and Yash Rathod for being the leading run scorer.

Let's now hear from a few of the members of the winning side...

Heading into the 5th and final Day of play, Kerala had already come undone at a couple of big moments - Sachin Baby giving his wicket away and then Karun Nair being dropped for 31 in the second innings and it really was a simple catch. Vidarbha were in cruise control and Kerala had to press the issue and they got a couple of wickets early in the first session. But it was just a tale of persistence from the lower order of Vidarbha that didn't give anything away and in the end, Darshan Nalkande who came in to bat at number 9, saw the game through and finished with a sensational fifty as Vidarbha sealed the trophy.

Vidarbha's second innings started on Day 4 and just like in the last two innings of the game, a couple of early wickets fell. Vidarbha were 7 for 2 and needed someone to step up. Guess who but the pair of Karun Nair and Danish Malewar again who steadied the ship and put on another mammoth stand of about 180 runs. This time, it was Nair who brought up a ton, his 9th of the season counting the List-A and T20 formats. Vidarbha continued to pile on the runs right through Day 4 as Kerala managed to pick up only 4 wickets.

Kerala's first innings was similar as well and they lost a couple of wickets with 14 runs on the board. It was then Aditya Sarwate, the former Vidarbha player who led the fightback and added a couple of crucial stands. Sachin Baby, the skipper, also stepped up and at one point, it seemed like Kerala might irk out a first-innings lead but with 5 wickets left, Baby went for a big shot and threw his wicket away for 98 and then that triggered a collapse. Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade made sure to rip through the lower order and Vidarbha got the vital first innings lead of 37 runs.

Talking a bit more about the game then, Kerala probably missed a mark right away as Sachin Baby opted to bowl first, risking chasing in the fourth innings. However, they did well to pick up early wickets and had Vidarbha reeling at 24/3 before that crucial stand came into play. Karun Nair and Danish Malewar added 215 big runs, with the latter going on to score a fine century and helped Vidarbha put on 379 runs. Not much early on for the spinners and it was the pace duo of MD Nidheesh and Eden Apple Tom that took 3 wickets each for Kerala.

This team is one of the finest teams we have seen in recent years and a deserved Ranji Trophy Championship and for the first time after a decade, a team has won the trophy whilst having the leading wicket-taker and the leading run-scorer on their side. Celebrations and jubilations all around the ground and the players chant 'Vidarbha, Vidarbha' soaking in the applause from the crowd as the coach of Kerala after shaking hands, goes towards the pitch and takes a bit of soil as a memento for their first-ever Final. The Vidarbha players then go on a victory lap, thanking all the fans who supported them throughout.

VIDARBHA ARE RANJI TROPHY CHAMPIONS FOR THE 3RD TIME IN THEIR HISTORY! What a turnaround it has been for this side after that heartbreaking loss against Mumbai in the finals last season, Vidarbha have stepped up and have sealed the trophy that too at their home ground. Spare a thought for Kerala though, who reached their first-ever Ranji Trophy Final and they did so by beating a few big sides but it just wasn't meant to be.

143.5: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, FIFTY FOR Nalkande! Flatter and on middle, Nalkande flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Oh, hang on! Sachin Baby hugs Darshan Nalkande and we see Vidarbha players steaming out. Hand-shakes all around and that's it, the match is drawn! VIDARBHA ARE THE CHAMPIONS! They win the Final due to the first-innings lead.

143.4: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Excellent fielding in the deep! Flighted again on middle, Nalkande comes down the track, doesn't quite keep his shape and just heaves it away wide of long on. Rohan Kunnummal there dives to his right and keeps it down to two. Nalkande moves to 49 now.

143.3: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted up, full and around middle, kept out by Nalkande.

143.2: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Well negotiated! Flatter on middle, darting in and stays low as well, Thakur rocks back and manages to dab it away towards mid-wicket for a single.

143.1: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Tossed up on middle and leg, Darshan Nalkande skips down the pitch and looks to bring up his 50 with a six but is beaten in the flight. He adjusts well and swats it down to long on for a single.

142.6: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Thakur, Tosses this one up full and on middle, Thakur blocks it off the front foot.

142.5: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Thakur, DROPPED! Oh, Salman Nizar should have taken that and Kerala continue to toil. Jalaj Saxena drops it a tad bit short on off and gets it to turn back in sharply. Yash Thakur presses back to flicks but gets an inside edge that lobs up wide of short leg and Salman scampers but misses it completely and gets hit on the vizer of the helmet instead. The physio also comes out to perform a concussion check but all seems good.

142.4: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Nicely flighted, on the pads, turned through square leg for a single.

142.3: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Oh, risky but effective! Short over middle, Darshan Nalkande rocks back and forces the pull over wide mid on. MD Nidheesh from long on runs to his right and sticks out a boot to save the boundary. Two taken.

142.2: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Tossed up, nice and full, straight as well, Nalkande leans on to defend.

142.1: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Gives it a bit of air and floats it up on middle and leg, Nalkande nudges it away onto the leg side.

141.6: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Full and straight this time, blocked off.

141.5: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Oh, that has just shot up off the deck! Dragged length outside off, pitches and turns away a mile with extra bounce, Thakur gets nowhere close to the pitch of the ball.

141.4: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Late again! Flighted ball, full and drifted into middle, Yash Thakur sets up to heave but realizes late that it is too full and just about manages to jam it out.

141.3: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Nagging length around off, adrted back in, Thakur is late on the block and almost chops it back onto the stumps.

141.2: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted ball, a bit full and outside off, Nalkande leans across and squeezes it away square through covers for a single.

141.1: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Tossed up, a bit full and around off, Nalkande leans on and blocks it off.

A halt in play as Darshan Nalkande wants to change his gloves. The players take time to hydrate themselves as well.

140.6: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, A bit too short and turning back into middle, Nalkande rocks back and pulls it firmly to deep mid-wicket for another single.

140.5: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Tossed-up delivery on off, Nalkande leans on and plays it down to mid off.

140.4: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Quicker through the air, bowled flatter around off, Nalkande hops back and jams it away in front of point.

140.3: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, A bit fuller now and on off, pushed out into the off side.

140.2: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Thakur, Flighted up, on a length and around middle, worked away towards mid-wicket for a single.

140.1: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Oh, half a chance but went quickly past the fielder! Slows it up and bowls it shorter, this one turns into the pads, Nalkande hops back to flick but gets an inside edge that goes to the right of the short leg fielder who can't get a hand on it. Single taken.

139.6: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Nagging length on off and middle, Thakur watchfully blocks it off.

139.5: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, FOUR! Nicely done by the number 11 batter! Floated full and drifting down leg, Yash Thakur gets inside the line and plays the lap sweep delicately down to fine leg for a boundary. The lead now stands at 399 runs!

139.4: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Flighted ball, full and on middle and leg, Yash Thakur blocks it off.

139.3: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, On a length and around middle, pushed away wide of mid on for a single.

139.2: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Oh, turn! Slightly full, drifting into off and middle, pitches and a puff of dust comes out as the ball turns away sharply. Nalkande leans on to block but is beaten.

139.1: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Flights the ball up on a length and around middle, Nalkande nudges it onto the on side.

138.6: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Thakur, Floated up, full and on middle, Thakur leans on and blocks it down the deck.

138.5: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Thakur, Beaten again! A bit quicker, full and around off, drifts away at the last minute, Thakur looks to block but is beaten past the outside edge once again.

138.4: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Thakur, Slow and short around off, Thaukr has all the time to go on the back foot and tap it towards extra cover.

138.3: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Thakur, Beaten! Tossed up, full and around off, drifting in but gies away after pitching, Thakur looks to block but is well beaten.

138.2: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Drop and run! Flighted up, slow and around off, Nalkande hops back and angles it away down to the left of point for an easy single.

138.1: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Thakur, Nicely flighted, around off and enticing the batter, Thakur leans on but waits well and just pushes it down to long on for a single.

137.6: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Bowled flatter and angled into the pads, Nalkande fails to flick it away off the back foot and the ball just clips the pads and goes wide of the keeper.

137.5: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Slower and shorter over midle, Nalkande presses back and blocks it back down the pitch.

137.4: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Nagging length, drifted into leg, Nalkande looks to block off the back foot but misses and gets hit on the pads.

137.3: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, SIX! Wow, what a clean strike from Darshan Nalkande! Tossed up on middle and leg, Nalkande takes the front leg out and reaches forward before heaving it up and over wide long on for a biggie. The 350 also comes up for Vidarbha.

137.2: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Flighted ball on the pads, Yash Thakur leans on to block with soft hands and gets it off the handle of the bat down to short fine leg for an easy single.

137.1: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Full and drifted ino the pads, Thakur leans on and blocks it down past short leg.

Drinks break! Well then, just 43 overs remaining in the day and with the changeover, just 41 but Kerala are yet to knock Vidarbha over and get an opportunity to bat. Vidarbha have more than just one hand on the trophy with the lead standing at 385 runs and time is quickly running out for Kerala to even have a say with the bat.

136.6: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Tossed up on middle, Thakur blocks it out.

136.5: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Perfect line and length! Good length delivery, angling on off and turns away. Nalkande is drawn forward to defend but misses. 

136.4: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Slows this fuller delivery and lands it on off. Nalkande prods and blocks.

136.3: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted full and on off, Nalkande with a nice front foot defensive shot.

136.2: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Flatter delivery outside off, Nalkande works it to cover for no run.

136.1: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Too full and on middle and leg. Nalkande blocks on the leg side. 

135.6: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Slows it up now and bowls it full and on off. Thakur adjusts to the speed quickly and defends it.

135.5: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, A bit quicker from Aditya Sarwate on middle. Thakur goes back and blocks.

135.4: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Angles it full and on middle and off. Thakur lunges forward and blocks.

135.3: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Floats it full and on middle, Thakur prods and solidly blocks.

135.2: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Too full and outside off, Nalkande drives it through covers for a single. 

135.1: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Tossed up on off, Nalkande steps across and blocks.

134.6: Akshay Chandran to Yash Thakur, Flighted full on middle, Thakur leand into his defensive shot.

134.5: Akshay Chandran to Yash Thakur, On middle, Thakur defends on the front foot.

134.4: Akshay Chandran to Yash Thakur, An arm ball, fuller and around off, Thakur looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal but the impact was outside the line.

134.3: Akshay Chandran to Yash Thakur, Well outside off, a bit short. Thakur goes back and leaves it alone.

134.2: Akshay Chandran to Yash Thakur, Very full flighted on off, Thakur dead bats it.

134.1: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Very full and outside off, Nalkande pushes it to cover for a single.

133.6: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Floats it full and on middle, Thakur with a nice press forward to block.

133.5: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Thakur, Flighted on off, Thakur defends it on the leg side.

Yash Thakur is the last batter in for Vidarbha.

133.4: Aditya Sarwate to Nachiket Bhute, OUT! LBW! That looks plumb if no bat is involved. Floats it nicely on the fuller side on middle, Bhute puts in a big stride forward to defend but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the back pad. An appeal and up goes the finger. Bhute reviews but has to walk back along with a review. THREE REDS the Ball Tracking shows. 

133.3: Aditya Sarwate to Nachiket Bhute, Bhute presses forward to this full ball and defends it out.

133.2: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Easy single! Flighted full on middle, Nalkande works it to mid on for a single.

133.1: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Slower delivery full and on leg, Nalkande drills it to mid on.

132.6: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, 11 runs off the over! Outside off, this is guided past point for a single. 

132.5: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, FOUR! Nalkande not shying away from playing his shots! A bumper, outside off. Nalkande hops and slaps it through covers and it rolls to the fence.

132.4: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Nachiket Bhute, Easy runs! Short in length and outside off, Bhute plays it through covers for one.

132.3: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, Lead is of 376 now! Touch fuller and outside off, Nalkande works it to cover for a run more.

132.2: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, FOUR! Classic shot! Basil goes very full and outside off, Nalkande leans into his drive and hits it through covers. No one is chasing that one.

132.1: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, Sprays it full and down the leg side. Nalkande looks to flick but misses.

131.6: Jalaj Saxena to Nachiket Bhute, This is full and outside off, Bhute pushes it to point. 

131.5: Jalaj Saxena to Nachiket Bhute, Finds the gap now! Outside off again, fuller and Bhute strokes it through point for a couple more.

131.4: Jalaj Saxena to Nachiket Bhute, Too full and on off, Bhute taps it in front of point.

131.3: Jalaj Saxena to Nachiket Bhute, Floated full and on off, turns in. Bhute leans and blocks.

131.2: Jalaj Saxena to Nachiket Bhute, Tossed up around off, spins in. Bhute defends on the front foot.

131.1: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted on off, Nalkande eases it to long on for a single.

130.6: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Nachiket Bhute, Hard length delivery around off, Bhute survives as he solidly blocks this one.

130.5: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Nachiket Bhute, Short of a length and around off. Bhute defends on his toes.

Nachiket Bhute is in next.

130.4: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Akshay Karnewar, OUT! BOWLED! An absolute nut from Basil! That was some delivery! He waited a whole day for his chance! A good length delivery on off and it nips back in from around the wicket. Karnewar keeps his head down to defend but it whizzes past his outside edge and clips the top of off stump. 

130.3: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Akshay Karnewar, On a length and on middle, Karnewar solidly blocks it out.

130.2: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, Leg bye! Doing too much! The in-drifter, tailing on the pads. Nalkande misses his clip and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW but that was easily going down.

130.1: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, Good length delivery on off, jags back in sharply. Nalkande holds his ground and blocks on the leg side.

129.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, On middle and on leg. Karnewar sweeps but finds the man at short fine leg.

129.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Bowls it full and on middle, Karnewar easily defends.

129.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Flighted full and on leg, Karnewar prods and defends it out.

129.3: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Floated full and on off, Nalkande slog-sweeps it to deep square leg for a single. Not off the middle. 

129.2: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Fuller delivery outside off, Nalkande blocks on the deck.

129.1: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Floats it full and around off, it spins in and hits Nalkande on the body as there is some extra bounce off the surface.

128.6: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, Basil gives width outside off, Nalkande strokes it through point for one run.

128.5: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, The nip-backer from Basil and it lands on middle, Nalkande defends well.

128.4: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, Short in length and outside off, this is knocked to cover.

128.3: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, On a length and outside off, Nalkande taps it to point. The man from gully cuts it off.

128.2: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, Soft hands! Good length again around off, comes with an angle. Nalkande defends, it goes off the edge to first slip who collects on a bounce.

128.1: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Darshan Nalkande, A good length ball, outside off, Nalkande frees his arms and punches it to short cover. Salman Nizar makes a solid stop.

127.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Keeps bowling in the arc, full and on off, Karnewar presses forward and defends.

127.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Bowls it straight and on middle, Karnewar dead bats it.

127.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Floated full and on off, Karnewar defends it straight to silly point.

127.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, This one omes with the arm, full and on middle, Karnewar solidly blocks. 

127.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Beaten! Lovely stuff! Slower balls are actually giving more turn! At 75 clicks! Slower in the air, full and on off, turns away. Karnewar prods to defend but misses it.

127.1: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Tossed up on middle, Nalkande flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

126.6: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, Just sliding down! Probably the slower ball, full and tailing on the pads. Karnewar misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. A stifled appeal for LBW follows but was going down.

126.5: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, FOUR! Nailed it! Harmless delivery from MD Nidheesh as he serves it full and outside off, Karnewar leans and creams it through covers for a boundary.

126.4: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, Good length ball on middle, Karnewar blocks.

126.3: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, MD Nidheesh just shapes back in this fuller ball a touch, on middle, Karnewar tucks it to mid-wicket.

126.2: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, Pushes it full and outside off, Karnewar steps across and pushes it to cover.

126.1: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, Wonderful shot! Pitches it up outside off. Karnewar plays it square on the off side for a couple of runs.

125.6: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Outside off, in the rough and it turns in sharply. Nalkande punches it to cover.

125.5: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted on off, Nalkande drills it down to long off for a couple more. Finds the gap there.

125.4: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, FOUR! First boundary of this session! Drops it short and outside off, Nalkande pulls it to deep mid-wicket and it bounces in front of the ropes.

125.3: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Slows it up this full ball outside off, Nalkande pushes it back to Saxena.

125.2: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Flat and outside off, stays low. Nalkande steps across and blocks it on the off side.

125.1: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Jalaj Saxena tosses it up full and on off, Nalkande drops it to cover.

It will be Jalaj Saxena to operate from the other end.

124.6: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, Pushes it full and close to off but wide enough for Karnewar to make another leave.

124.5: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, Pitches it up, outside off, Karnewar is not tempted to play this one.

124.4: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, Keeps the same line and length to Karnewar who leaves it for the keeper to collect.

124.3: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, Changes the side and comes around the wicket! Full and outside off, Karnewar lets it go.

124.2: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Karnewar, Full and shaping away, outside off, Karnewar shoulders arms to it.

124.1: MD Nidheesh to Darshan Nalkande, Off the mark in the second session! Too full and on middle, shaping in. Darshan Nalkande eases it to mid on for a single.

We are back for the post-Lunch session on Day 5! The umpires and the players of Kerala are back out in the middle. Akshay Karnewar and Darshan Nalkande are set to resume their stay at the crease. MD Nidheesh to start with the ball here.

... DAY 5, SESSION 2 ...

Kerala, on the other hand, had a lot to do but started positively with the wicket of Karun Nair but couldn't kick on yet again and allowed the two batters to occupy the crease. Even though not many runs were scored, a lot of balls were played out before Eden Apple Tom made good use of the second new ball and broke the stand. They picked up another wicket soon enough, but yet again, they failed to capitalize, and it seems any chances of Kerala making a comeback have now vanished. They might still have an outside chance if they clean up the remaining three wickets quickly after Lunch. Do join us at 12.40 pm IST (7.10 pm GMT) for what could be the decisive session.

The two teams came into Day 5 knowing what they needed to do but Vidarbha started off a bit shaky and lost the centurion Karun Nair early on as well. Skipper Akshay Karnewar and Harsh Dubey put on a bit of a stand but they just looked to play out the overs rather than score a bit of runs as well. Both of them fell midway through the session but Akshay Karnewar has since then stepped up and along with Nalkande, has taken the lead past 350 and made sure that Vidarbha play out as many overs as possible.

Well then, we have come to the end of the first session on Day 5 and Vidarbha are inching closer to the title here. Kerala have had chances all throughout the session to press the issue a bit more but this partnership between Akshay Karnewar and Darshan Nalkande and all but sealed the game for Vidarbha.

123.6: Akshay Chandran to Akshay Karnewar, A better delivery to end the over and it is LUNCH ON DAY 5! Just fractionally short on off, turns in as well, Karnewar looks to play off the back foot but gets a bit of an inside edge and the ball lobs and goes down to the left of short leg.

123.5: Akshay Chandran to Akshay Karnewar, Keeps it full and in and around off, Karnewar leans on and blocks it down the pitch.

123.4: Akshay Chandran to Akshay Karnewar, Tossed-up delivery, full and around off, Karnewar leans on to block.

123.3: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted delivery, a bit full and on off, Darshan Nalkande leans on and gets an inside edge past the short leg fielder and picks up another single.

123.2: Akshay Chandran to Akshay Karnewar, Drops it short and wide, missingn the rough again, Karnewar taps it to deep point fornone. Vidarbha now lead by 350 runs!

123.1: Akshay Chandran to Akshay Karnewar, Flighted up from over the stumps, not quite full enough and around off, Karnewar eases it away wide of silly point.

122.6: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Fuller in length and sraight too, driven on the up to mid on. A maiden from Sarwate!

122.5: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Quicker one, angled into middle and leg, Nalkande jams this one out.

122.4: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Tosses this one up outside off, Darshan Nalkande reaches out and solidly blocks it off.

122.3: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted ball, drifting onto the pads, nudged away off the inner half of the blade just behind square leg.

122.2: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Dropped on a good length and on the stumps, Nalkande blocks it off from the crease.

122.1: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Nicely flighted, drifting back into off, Darshan Nalkande strides and makes the block.

121.6: Akshay Chandran to Akshay Karnewar, Drags the length back and darts this one across off, the ball pitches on off and just moves away sharply, Karnewar backs away and lets it through.

121.5: Akshay Chandran to Akshay Karnewar, A bit fuller and tossed up on off, Karnewar leans on to make yet another block.

121.4: Akshay Chandran to Akshay Karnewar, Flighted, on a nagging length and angled across off, Karnewar gets well forward to block.

121.3: Akshay Chandran to Akshay Karnewar, Too full on off, Karnewar gets across and drives it back to the bowler

121.2: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted ball, full and drifting onto middle, Darshan Nalkande leans on and gets an inside edge towards square leg for a single.

121.1: Akshay Chandran to Darshan Nalkande, Chandran now comes in and starts off with a shortish ball outside off, Darshan Nalkande stays back and taps it down to backward point.

120.6: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, On a nagging length and around off, Karnewar blocks it off the front foot.

120.5: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Bowled flatter and darted in at the stumps, nudged away towards mid-wicket for one.

120.4: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted ball, a bit full around off, Nalkande leans on to block.

120.3: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Short of a length and angled into the body, tucked away off the back foot to mid-wicket.

120.2: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Loops this one up and tosses it full on off and middle, Darshan Nalkande leans on to block.

120.1: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Full and on off, eased away to the right of cover-point for an easy single by Karnewar.

119.6: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, BEAUTY! Floats it up at 88 clicks, a bit fuller and around off, Darshan Nalkande leans on to block but the ball straightens and beats the outside edge.

119.5: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, On a shortish length around middle, turns in with some extra bounce, Darshan Nalkande rocks back and flicks it off the hips down to fine leg for a couple of handy runs.

119.4: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Nicely flighted, a bit full and outside off, drawing the batter forward. Darshan Nalkande strides across and blocks it down to silly point.

119.3: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted ball around off, Nalkande taps it past silly point.

119.2: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, A bit quicker and on a length outside off, this one turns back in sharply. Darshan Nalkande hops back and plays it late under the eyes.

119.1: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Floated up, full and around off, eased away on the up towards mid off.

118.6: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Flighted ball, around off, played with soft hands to covers.

118.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Nicely bowled! On the shorter side and around middle, this one turns back in as Karnewar hops back and misses the flick, getting it off the pads.

118.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Nagging length around off, Karnewar taps it in front of point and looks for one but sends his partner back quickly.

118.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Tossed up, full and straight, Karnewar keeps it out.

118.2: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Flighted up around off, on a nagging length, Karnewar watchfully blocks it off.

118.1: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, SIX! Oh, out of nowhere! Tossed up, full and around off, in the swinging arc, Akshay Karnewar gets down on one knee and swings it away flat and in front of deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Vidarbha now lead by 344 runs!

117.6: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted ball, full on middle, clipped away down to short leg.

117.5: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Just slows it up a bit and gets the ball to dip around off, Darshan Nalkande gets across and blocks it right under the eyes.

117.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Good fielding but the batters do come back for three and the 300 comes up for Vidarbha. Too full and outside off, Karnewar hammers it away through the point region and the fielder in the deep runs to his right and dives in to save the boundary.

117.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Nice and full, around off and middle, punched away on the bounce to forward silly point.

117.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Straightens the line and floats it on middle, Karnewar blocks it down the pitch.

117.1: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Flighted up around off, watchfully blocked away towards point.

116.6: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Oh, agonizingly short! Floated up on a nagging length around off, Darshan Nalkande leans on again and again he checks the drive and almost chips it straight to short extra cover.

116.5: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Uppish but no chance for the silly point fielder! Nicely flighted up around off, Darshan Nalkande leans on and checks the drive and hits it to the right of silly point who has no time to react for the catch.

116.4: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Full and drifting into the legs, Darshan Nalkande strides in and clips it to mid-wicket.

116.3: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Bowled flatter and around off, played away off the back foot towards backward point.

116.2: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, On a length and slanted onto middle and leg, Nalkande looks to play off the back foot but gets rushed and just about keeps it out.

116.1: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted ball on off, Darshan Nalkande gets a big stride in and punches it firmly to silly point.

115.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Comes around the wicket for the last ball and bowls it flat on off, easily blocked off by Karnewar.

115.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Drags the length back a couple of inches and angles it into middle and leg, Karnewar watchfully keeps it out.

115.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Just pushed through a bit quicker around off, Karnewar leans on to block and does so more off the inner half of the blade.

115.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Nagging length, on off and middle, Karnewar gets a good stride forward and solidly blocks it off.

115.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Karnewar, Tossed up on middle, Karnewar leans on and blocks it off.

115.1: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, A bit quicker and shorter around off, Darshan Nalkande camps back and just opens the bat face a bit to guide it away through backward point for a single.

114.6: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Oh, just past short leg! Drops it a bit short over middle, Darshan Nalkande rocks back and flicks it a bit uppishly and it goes quickly to the right of short leg. They pick up a single.

114.5: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Holds it back a touch and bowls it around off, Darshan Nalkande leans on and waits before just tapping it across to the on side.

114.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Tpo full and on off, Karnewar blocks it away wide of covers and picks up a single.

114.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Beaten! Darted in flat and wide of the off stump, Karnewar loosk to back away and just cut but the ball keeps a bit low and beats the bat.

114.2: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Tossed up around the pads, nudged away with soft hands and in front of short leg.

114.1: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Sarwate switches ends and floats it up on off, Karnewar leans right on and blocks it down the pitch.

113.6: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Maiden! Flighted up around off, not all that full, Darshan Nalkande leans on and skews it away with soft hands towards point.

113.5: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Flatter one again around middle, punched away from the crease and straight to mid on.

113.4: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Bowls it flatter now on off, this one turns in and stays low, Darshan Nalkande shuffles a bit and tucks it away towards mid-wicket.

113.3: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Flighted up around off, Darshan leans on and just plays it back to the bowler.

113.2: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Fractionally short and around off, hits the rough and turns back in, Darshan Nalkande plays all over it and gets hit high on the pads.

113.1: Jalaj Saxena to Darshan Nalkande, Starts the new spell with a full ball on middle, Nalkande pushes it away to mid on.

112.6: Eden Apple Tom to Darshan Nalkande, Similar line and length to the previous one, Darshan Nalkande gets up on his toes and nurdles it away wide of point for a single to get off the mark.

112.5: Eden Apple Tom to Darshan Nalkande, Good stop! Back of a length and around off, Darshan Nalkande hops up to ride the extra bounce and edges it down wide of the slip cordon but the gully fielder makes a fine stop down to his right.

112.4: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, A good hustle from the batters! Hard length around off, tapped away wide of covers by Karnewar for a quick single.

112.3: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, Extra bounce and another blow to the left glove for Akshay Karnewar! Banged in on a hard length on off, this one just moves away with extra bounce and Karnewar is taken by surprise and the ball goes on to hit the left thumb. The physio is out again with the ice pack.

112.2: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, Banged in short now and over off, doesn't quite get up high enough, Karnewar leans back and sways away from the line of the ball.

112.1: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, Back of a length and outside off, bouncing a bit extra, Karnewar hops back and manages to keep it down towards the gully region.

111.6: Aditya Sarwate to Darshan Nalkande, Short of a length and around off, sitting up, punched away from the crease to mid off.

111.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Nicely played! Floated up on the pads, not quite full, Karnewar hops back and plays it late and with soft hands, down to the left of short leg and picks up a single.

111.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Comes around the wicket now, bowls it on a nagging length and around off, Karnewar leans on to block.

111.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Quicker through the air, tossed up outside off, Karnewar gets a stride across and leaves it alone.

111.2: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Floated up, full and on middle, eased away towards mid on.

111.1: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Karnewar, Lovely delivery! Flighted, full and outside off, Karnewar leans on to block for the spin but the ball drifts away and goes straight on past the outside edge.

110.6: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, A touch fuller and wide of the off stump, Karnewar leans across and just plays it away with gentle hands wide of point for a single.

110.5: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, Beaten! Pitched up, in the channel outside off and holding its line, Karnewar has a poke at it but the ball zips past the outside edge.

110.4: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, FOUR! Easy pickings! Fullish length, sliding it into the pads, Karnewar picks it up and flicks it away off the legs and in front of square on the leg side for another boundary.

110.3: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, Oh, we are now seeing some variable bounce! Hurled in on a good length around off, Karnewar leans on to block but the ball shoots up off the deck and hits Karnewar flush on the left glove. He is in a bit of pain and the physio comes out to apply the ice pack. A bit of a prolonged delay but Karnewar is good to continue.

110.2: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, Keeps it a bit full and bowls it on off, Karnewar pushes it don into the off side.

110.1: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, FOUR! SHOT! Pitched up around off, Akshay Karnewar clears the front leg and creams the drive wide of mid off as the ball races away to the boundary.

Darshan Nalkande is in next.

109.6: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, OUT! TIMBER! This game is alive and kicking! Aditya Sarwate tosses the ball up a bit fuller and on off and middle, Akshay Wadkar opts to play this one off the back foot and rocks back. The ball though just skids through and keeps really low and Wadkar is completely taken aback as the ball sneaks under the willow and crashes into the off stump. The last proper batter is now out and Vidarbha currently have a lead of 320 runs.

109.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Tossed up, a bit too full and straight, clipped away well in front of square on the leg side and the batters pick up a couple of runs.

109.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Flighted ball, in and around middle, just eased out into the off side.

109.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Nagging length, amngling it well into the pads, Wadkar looks to block off the front foot but misses and gets hit on the pads.

109.2: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, More than half an appeal for LBW but there might have been an inside edge. Fuller in length and around off, Akshay Wadkar leans on to block but gets an inside edge into the pads.

109.1: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Nicely drifted onto middle, Wadkar leans on and blocks it with safe hands just in front of silly point.

108.6: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Wadkar, Over the wicket to the right-hander, bowled a bit full around off, skidding through, Akshay Wadkar plays it late and nudges it to the right of square leg for a quick single.

108.5: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, Good length outside off, tapped away in front of point for a single.

108.4: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, Pitches it up again, attacking that off stump line, Karnewar stays back and just presents the full face of the bat at it.

108.3: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, Nice and full, landing it on the popping crease wide of off, Karnewar jams it out to covers.

108.2: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Karnewar, A spring in the step of Eden Apple Tom now! Nagging length on middle, angling back in sharply, Akshay Karnewar looks to block but gets thudded on the pads.

Akshay Karnewar is the next batter in.

108.1: Eden Apple Tom to Harsh Dubey, OUT! LBW! That's what Eden Apple Tom can do! Around the wicket to the left-hander, serves it full and around off, slanting it in. Harsh Dubey leans on to flick but plays over it and gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball thuds into the pads and the bowler goes up in celebration even before the finger is raised. It is reviewed though. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows the impact as umpire's call but wickets are hitting. The stand is broken, can Kerala now pounce on this opportunity?

Reviewed! A loud appeal for LBW and given! Harsh Dubey is the player in question and he has a chat with the skipper and does review it.

Drinks break! Well then, the lead currently stands at 316 runs and Vidarbha might not have scored freely at all in this first phase on Day 5, they don't have to. Kerala did manage to pick up Karun Nair early in the session but haven't managed to rip through the middle-order. With every passing over, the door is shutting on Kerala's chances as the lead is growing and the overs are shrinking. They need something to give and need to bowl out Vidarbha at the earliest but it doesn't seem quite likely at the moment, you never know though.

107.6: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Very full and around off, Wadkar pushes it straight to cover.

107.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Tossed up around off, Wadkar defends it to silly point. 

107.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Outside off and it spins away. Wadkar drives it to point.

107.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, An arm ball, full and on leg, Wadkar prods and defends off the inner half of the bat.

107.2: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Flat and outside off, straightens up. Wadkar knocks it to cover.

107.1: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Tossed up outside off, spins in. Dubey guides it to third man for a single.

106.6: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Wadkar, FOUR! Welcome boundary! Not in control! Good length ball on off, Wadkar opens the face of the bat and looks to guides it but decides to pull out of the shot. The ball does take the face of the bat and rolls away between keeper and slip for a boundary.

106.5: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Wadkar, Too full and around off, tailing in. Wadkar on his front foot defends it out.

106.4: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Wadkar, The captain is playing a determining inning here. Angling on middle, Wadkar whips it through square leg for a brace.

106.3: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Wadkar, Tight from Tom! Touch fuller and slanting on middle, and off. Wadkar pushes it to cover.

106.2: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Wadkar, Nip-backer, length ball around off, Wadkar solidly blocks.

106.1: Eden Apple Tom to Akshay Wadkar, Eden Apple Tom serves it on a length and around off, Wadkar defends right off the middle of the bat.

Double change. Eden Apple Tom to bowl for the first time on Day 5.

105.6: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, At 87 clicks! Nicely floated on middle, Dubey solidly defends.

105.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Slower delivery full and on middle, Wadkar bunts it to square leg for a single.

105.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Flat and outside off, Wadkar punches it to cover.

105.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Very full and on middle, comes with the angle. Wadkar looks to dig it out but inside edges it onto the pads.

105.2: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Floated full and around off, Dubey sweeps with the spin to deep square leg for one.

105.1: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Flatter and around off, Harsh Dubey defends it out.

Aditya Sarwate is brought back into the attack.

104.6: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Wadkar, Pre-empted charge from Wadkar as he flicks this full ball behind square leg for two.

104.5: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Wadkar, Well bowled! Good length delivery on middle, angling in. Wadkar defends solidly back on the deck.

104.4: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Wadkar, Short in length and outside off, Wadkar lets it go to the keeper.

104.3: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Wadkar, Outside off from MD Nidheesh once again and Wadkar happily leaves it.

104.2: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Wadkar, Creates an angle and bowls it outside off, on the fuller side. Wadkar leans and shoulders arms to it.

104.1: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Wadkar, Shorter and wide of off. Wadkar offers no shot.

103.6: Jalaj Saxena to Harsh Dubey, Flatter and turning on the pads. Dubey nudges it on the leg side for no run.

103.5: Jalaj Saxena to Harsh Dubey, Tosses it up outside off. Dubey prods and defends it late on the off side.

103.4: Jalaj Saxena to Harsh Dubey, Quicker delivery on middle, spins away slightly. Dubey watchfully blocks it out.

103.3: Jalaj Saxena to Harsh Dubey, On middle, tossed up. Dubey defends inside the line of the delivery.

103.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Flatter and turning in from outside off, Wadkar plays it to cover for a single.

Halt! Akshay Wadkar has been struck on the helmet and the physio is out to perform a mandatory concussion check. Thankfully, everything seems fine and we can now continue.

103.1: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Extra bounce helps Wadkar! Floated on off, it spins in. Wadkar looks to sweep it hard but misses and gets hit on the right biceps. Maybe it might have ricocheted on the helmet as well. The physio is out for a mandatory concussion protocol. 

102.6: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, Touch fuller and outside off, Dubey leans across and blocks.

102.5: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, MD Nidheesh comes around the wicket to the left-hander, on a length and on off, nips in. Dubey equally negotiates it well by defending. 

102.4: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, Good length delivery on middle, Dubey defends.

102.3: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Wadkar, MD Nidheesh angles in a full ball on middle, Wadkar tries to work it across but miscues his shot to mid on for a single.

102.2: MD Nidheesh to Akshay Wadkar, In-drifter, length and on middle, straightens a bit. Wadkar solidly blocks on the leg side. 

102.1: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, Pitched up, outside off. Dubey drives to the right of mid off for a single.

101.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Was there some bat? Floated well outside off and it turns in sharply. Wadkar prods across as he tries to keep it out but misses and gets hit on the pads. It lobs to the left of short leg. Salman Nizar dives but the ball was just out of his reach. Oh, hello! Kerala have taken a review here. No bat on it. Ball Tracking shows it clips the top of off, umpire's call. On the impact, Wadkar didn't offer a shot, so it doesn't matter. Good review though.

101.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Drags his length back by a bit, full and outside off, Wadkar gets across the line to sweep but misses it.

101.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Too full and targetting the off pole. Wadkar defends it out.

101.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Around off, Wadkar takes a big stride forward and defends it.

101.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, FOUR! Vidarbha lead by 302! Drops it short and on middle, Wadkar goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket and it races to the fence. 

101.1: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Flatter and angling on middle from around the wicket. Wadkar gets forward and blocks it out.

100.6: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, Maiden! Goes short and angles well away from the batter. Dubey has nothing to do with it.

100.5: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, Short of a good length delivery on middle, Dubey with soft hands nudges it to mid-wicket.

100.4: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, Spills it full and down the leg side, Dubey looks to flick but misses.

100.3: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, Goes a bit short and angles it across the batter, outside off and nips away. Dubey shoulders arms to it.

100.2: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, Touch fuller and closer to the off pole. Dubey solidly blocks it on the deck.

100.1: MD Nidheesh to Harsh Dubey, Lovely nut to start with! A good length delivery, lands around off and zips away a touch. Dubey plants his front foot out to defend but misses.

100 overs have passed and the second new ball is now taken as it has now become mandatory. MD Nidheesh will take the new ball.

99.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Sharp turn! Tad short and around off spins in. Wadkar gets across to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads.

99.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Very full and quicker on off, Wadkar drills it to short cover.

99.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Fuller delivery outside off, Wadkar pushes it to cover.

99.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, The spinners are extracting turn now! It's an optimistic time for Kerala! Outside off, it turns in. Wadkar presses across to defend but misses.

99.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Outside off, flatter and it turns in. Wadkar goes back and knocks it to cover.

99.1: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Shorter and outside off, turning in. Wadkar punches it straight to cover.

98.6: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Very full and on middle, Dubey plays it back to the bowler.

98.5: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Tossed up on middle, Dubey defends it well.

98.4: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Quicker fuller and on middle, Dubey flicks it to the right of short leg who gets his hand out quickly to stop.

98.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Slighly short and on middle, Wadkar goes back and whips it past mid-wicket for a single.

98.2: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, On the fuller side on middl,e Wadkar lunges forward and blocks.

98.1: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Tossed up on middle, Dubey sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

97.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Flighted on middle, Wadkar gets forward to defend but misses and it lobs off the pads over the leg slip fielder.

97.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, On middle, Wadkar blocks it out.

97.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Well outside off Wadkar presses forward for another solid defense.

97.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, The one that straightens off the deck, bowls it in the outside off channel, fuller and Wadkar puts in a big stride forward to defend but misses.

97.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Very full and outside off, sharply turns in. Wadkar leans and dead bats it.

97.1: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Tossed up on off and it spins in. Wadkar leans to defend but inside edges it to the leg side.

96.6: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Wicket maiden by Sarwate! On middle, fuller and Dubey plays it back to the bowler.

96.5: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Very close to the off pole, fuller and spinning a bit. Harsh Dubey defends close to his pads.

96.4: Aditya Sarwate to Harsh Dubey, Tossed up on off, Dubey blocks it on the front foot.

Harsh Dubey walks out to bat now.

96.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, OUT! STUMPED! Finally, finally, finally! Karun Nair departs! Just the wicket Kerala were looking for! Just the start they wanted. Aditya Sarwate gives a lot of flight to this fuller delivery on off, it stays lower than expected by Nair and spins away. He skips down to flick this away but misses and it rolls to the keeper who does an easy job. End of a potential match winning innings from Karun Nair. Are we in for a game now?

96.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Slows it up and bowls on the fuller side on middle, Nair defends just in front of the man at silly point.

96.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, This one comes with the arm, on middle, Nair prods and blocks it out.

95.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Good over from Jalaj Saxena! There is still a bit of believe resting in the Kerala players. Tossed up on off, Wadkar blocks it out.

95.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Bowls in the rough, outside off and it sharply spins in. Wadkar on the back foot fails to defend and gets hit high on the pads.

95.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Quicker fuller delivery around off and it turns in. Wadkar solidly defends.

95.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Very full and on middle, flighted a bit. Nair turns it to mid-wicket for a single. 

95.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, FOUR LEG BYES! Desperation from Kerala! Floated full on middle and it turns in. Nair goes for the conventional reverse sweep but misses and gets hit high on the pads. Easily going down but Kerala try their luck only to be washed it away quickly. Missing leg by a long way. 

Review! A huge appeal for LBW but it is turned down. Karun Nair is the player in question. The ball has rolled away for 4 leg byes but it is reviewed. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking comes up as wickets missing. NOT OUT it stays.

95.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Kerala have to take their chances! Big one here! Outside off, Nair looks to reverse sweep but misses and it rolls to the keeper who fails to pick up but parries it off the pads on the leg side. The man from leg slip runs across, collects and throws but on the wrong side as Wadkar was halfway down the crease but gets back in thanks to a wrong side throw. 

94.6: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Kerala hanging in there! Tossed up on middle and it spins in. Wadkar prods to defend but gets hit on the pads before it lobs in the hands of short leg.

94.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Flat and outside off, Wadkar punches it well but to cover.

94.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Outside off, fuller delivery again, Wadkar knocks it to point.

94.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, A bit quicker from Sarwate, too full and on leg, Wadkar nudges it to square leg. Nair wants a single but is wisely sent back.

94.2: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Tad fuller and on middle, Wadkar leans and blocks it to silly point.

94.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Leg bye! Darts this one on the pads. Nair looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. It rolls to square leg for a leg bye.

93.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Maiden! Quicker through the air, on middle, Wadkar keeps it out on the deck.

93.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, In the outside off region, floated. Wadkar prods to defend close to the pads but misses and gets hit on the pads. It was outside the line.

93.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Shapes in a full ball on the slower side, on middle and leg, Wadkar defends off the inner half on the leg side.

93.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Solid from Wadkar once again! Flighted on middle, this is defended out.

93.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Too full and around off, Wadkar gets on top of the delivery and blocks.

93.1: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Was that a chance? Jalaj Saxena has found some turn! Tossed up, outside off, a bit of turn. Wadkar leans across to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

92.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Floats it full on middle at 80.4 clicks. Nair softly defends it on the off side.

92.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, TAP AND RUN! Excellent running! Bowls it tight on the middle pole. Wadkar pushes it in front of cover, calls for a single and bravely makes it.

92.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Angles it on the leg pole, fullish delivery. Wadkar leans and defends.

92.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Gives a bit more flight, full and on middle and leg. Wadkar once again blocks it out.

92.2: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, In the same region, fuller delivery and on middle, Wadkar defends on the front foot.

92.1: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Tight from the bowler! Tossed up on middle, skids on a bit. Wadkar dead bats it on the deck.

91.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Flatter delivery, outside off, turns in and stays slightly low. Wadkar punches it to covers for a single. 

91.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Tosses it up full and on middle, Wadkar inside the line, defends it out.

91.4: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Much better! Outside off, spinning in sharply and Nair reverse hits it to third man for one.

91.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, That could have gone anywhere! Jalaj Saxena again bowls well outside off and makes it to turn in. Nair tries to reverse sweep but toe ends his shot on the off side.

91.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Turn for Saxena! Bowls in the outside off region, flat and it turns in sharply. Nair hangs back to block it out.

91.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Jalaj Saxena bowls it too full and slanting on middle, Nair drills it to mid on who half-stops but no run is taken.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Jalaj Saxena.

90.6: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Goes very full and on middle, Wadkar defends under his eyes. Not much turn seen in the first over.

90.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, This one comes with the arm, on middle, Wadkar solidly defends it back.

90.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Flights this full ball on middle and leg. Wadkar presses forward and defends.

90.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Off the mark on Day 5! Flatter and outside off. Nair punches it through point for a single.

90.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Sows it up this full ball and lands it on off. Nair defends on the front foot.

90.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Aditya Sarwate serves it full and on middle, Nair leans and defends it to mid on.

All set for action. The players are out in the middle. Akshay Wadkar and Karun Nair to resume their batting. Spin to start, Aditya Sarwate to bowl first. Let's play...

Talking about Kerala, they started well with the ball but lacked discipline as the game progressed. It got hard as the game flowed for Kerala as the pitch started to help the batters more. The spinners were mostly used but none made a big impact. Right now, Kerala must have accepted the result in their mind but mathematically they are still in the game. They need a miracle to get things on their side. The first session should answer a lot of questions. Stay tuned.

Day 4 saw Vidarbha play with  marginal lead of 37. However, it wasn’t a great start from them as they were reeling on 7/2 in the first three overs but Malewar-Nair joined hands to put in a 182-run stand to stead the ship and get the lead well over 200. Malewar fell after his fifty but Nair went onto smash yet another hundred. He missed out on the first innings and was dropped by Akshay Chandran on 31 but the veteran grabbed the lifeline with both hands and is currently unbeaten on 132.

DRUM ROLLS! It’s the final day of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25! Hello everyone to the action of Day 5 between Vidarbha and Kerala. Vidarbha have one foot and four toes over the victory line thanks to some outstanding performance from their most reliable pair this season - Malewar and Nair. One is 21 years of age and the latter is 33 but both have played some of the best cricket this season to get their team close to the trophy.

...DAY 5, SESSION 1...

Right then, that's the end of Day 4 of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy Final and Vidarbha are currently 286 runs ahead. With just one day remaining one would think that they will look to declare but they don't have to as if the match is drawn, the team with the lead in the first innings will win and so, Kerala have to press the issue and find a way of not just knocking over Vidarbha but then come out and chase the target as well. It should be an entertaining watch. Join us on Sunday at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT) for the first ball on Day 5 but you can also tune in sooner for the build-up. Cheers!

Kerala began the day brightly as Jalaj Saxena picked up a wicket in the 2nd over of the day and in the very next over MD Nidheesh picked up a wicket as well but just like they did while batting, they let things slip and while they couldn't get that crucial first-inings lead, they also started to let things go as Day 4 went on. The spinners were too quick to begin with and they focused more on creating the rough rather than trying to vary their pace and try to spin the ball. Late in the day, they did bowl well and picked up a few wickets but it all seems a bit too late.

Day 4 started with a new innings and Vidarbha came out on what looked like a surface that would take some turn and will be testing for the batters early on. They did lose a couple of early wickets and were 7/2 when the duo of Karun Nair and Danish Malewar took the reigns and put on a big 182-run stand to turn the game on its head. Nair went on to score a century and added a couple of more stands with Yash Rathod and Akshay Wadkar, ending the day unbeaten on 132. With a lead of 286 runs and plenty of wickets intact, Vidarbha will be feeling really good with the way things have played out.

SESSION SUMMARY - 29 overs, 60 runs and 1 wicket! What a day of cricketing action and it is the home side, Vidarbha who are in complete control of the game, having one hand on the trophy at the moment as well. With a 37-run first-innings lead to begin with, Vidarbha seemed in early trouble but have now made sure that Kerala have it all to do and more on the 5th and final day.

89.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Akshay Wadkar sees it out! Maiden to end the day! Flighted full and on middle, Wadkar prods and blocks. STUMPS ON DAY 4.

89.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Floats it full and around off, Wadkar leans and defends solidly. Final ball coming up...

89.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Drops it short and around off, spins in. Wadkar looks to defend but inside edges it onto the leg side. 

89.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Quicker fuller and around off, Akshay Wadkar takes a big stride forward and blocks.

89.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Tossed up full and on middle, Wadkar leans and blocks it on the leg side.

89.1: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Bowls it short quick and well outside off, Wadkar thinks to cut but does well to leave it alone.

88.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Drags the length right back and bowls it onto middle, Nair presses back to defend.

88.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, FOUR! A bit of aggression out of nowhere but it's controlled aggression. Tossed up on middle, Karun Nair skips down the pitch, holdshis shape and with mid off and mid on inside the circle, he smacks it straight over the bowler's head for a boundary.

88.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Just slows it up a bit and floats it full, on off, Karun Nair solidly blocks it off.

88.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Tossed up, full on middle, Nair leans on to block.

88.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Sliding it onto the pads this time and Nair just works it away to the leg side.

88.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, A bit fuller in length and darted onto middle and leg, Nair blocks it off.

87.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Nagging length again, turning back sharply into the pads, Wadkar looks to play it off the back foot but the ball lobs up off the legs and the short leg fielder can't quite pouch it.

87.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, The ball is really starting to do a lot now. Flighted up on a length and around off, Wadkar leans across to block but can't reach the pitch of the ball and eventually gets hit around the chest.

87.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Floated up again and around off, Wadkar leans across and opens the face of the bat to dab it in front of first slip.

87.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Loops this one up and lands it full on the pooping crease on leg, Nair looks to come out and heave but jams it off the inner half to mid-wickt for one. That stung a bit as Nair's bat hit his boot as well.

87.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, At just 76.8 clicks and on a dragged length, floated up on middle and leg, Nair goes on the back foot and nudges it away.

87.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Flighted delivery, drifting in sharply from around off, Nair stays watchful and keeps it out.

86.6: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, There was never a run there! Flatter one angling into the legs, Wadkar just nudges it around the corner and Karun Nair comes halfway down the pitch looking for a single. Wadkar sends him back with a loud call and no harm is done.

86.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Pushed through quicker now and around off, Wadkar pushes it away in front of point.

86.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Full on middle, angling in, Wadkar jams it out to mid on.

86.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Lovely length again from Sarwate! Flighted up on off and middle, not all that full and at 77 clicks, Wadkar is drawn forward to defend but the ball jumps up and hits the sticker of the bat.

86.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, A bit too full and a bit too quick, driven towards mid off for a single by Karun Nair.

86.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Nagging length, angling it into middle and leg, Nair pushes at it and just keeps it down in front of silly point.

85.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, That turned! Flighted up, dragging the length back a couple of inches and bowled on middle, Wadkar leans right on to block but is beaten in flight and the ball takes a bit of an inside edge before hitting the pads.

85.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Holds this one back a touch and flights it up around off, Wadkar watchfully blocks it off.

85.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Back to over the wicket, pushed through quicker and targeting the off stump, Wadkar blocks it off.

85.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Nagging length around off, angled acriss and staying low as well, Wadkar hops back and gets an under-edge towards the first slip fielder.

85.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, A bit fuller and angled across off from around the stumps, Wadkar stays low and angles it away wide of slip and picks up a couple of runs more.

85.1: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Flighted ball around off, shorter too, Akshay Wadkar waits back and taps it well behind point and gets off the mark with a double.

84.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flighted delivery, in and around off, eased away into the off side. Three maidens in a row now for Kerala ​​​​Vidarbha won't mind much, they are well ahead in the game right now. 

84.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Tosses it up again around middle, Nair leans on to block.

84.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, A bit quicker this time, relatively full and on off, pushed away to mid off.

84.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Oh, hello! That one turns from the middle of the pitch. At 79.2 clicks, tossed up around middle, Karun Nair looks to lean on and blocks down the line but the ball grips and rips well past the outside edge.

84.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Pushed through flatter and at the stumps, Nair rocks back to block.

84.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Fuller in length and flighted on off, Nair blocks it off.

83.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Around the wicket now, darted across the off stump, full as well, Wadkar leans across to block. Wadkar can't get off the mark and isn't even trying to it seems, just happy to keep blocking every delivery for now.

83.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Flighted up around off, Wadkar plays it from the crease and towards cover.

83.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, On a dragged length, slower and on middle and leg, Wadkar rocks back and just nudges it down to short leg.

83.3: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Fuller in length and at the stumps, Wadkar blocks it off.

83.2: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Oh, just short but might have come off the pads. Flighted up, well outside off and turning back in, Wadkar gets a stride across to defend but gets it flush on the front pad.

83.1: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Beaten! Nagging length, a bit full and around off, Wadkar gets a stride across to block but misses.

82.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Nicely bowled and it will be another maiden for Sarwate! More energy into the delivery, bowled full and close to the off stump, Nair leaves and the ball holds its line to beat the off stump.

82.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Length ball, pushed through on off and middle, Nair stands tall and punches it back to the bowler.

82.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Bowled a bit flat and at the stumps, tucked away towards mid-wicket.

82.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Tossed up on off, Nair has to reach for it a bit but easily blocks it off.

82.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Full and on off, Nair leans on to block.

82.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Slides the ball in a long way and into the legs, Nair blocks it off.

81.6: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Bowled straight in line with the stumps, Wadkar works it away to the leg side.

81.5: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Tossed up, quicker and well outside off, trying to turn it back in, Wadkar gets his front pad across and pads it away.

81.4: Jalaj Saxena to Akshay Wadkar, Flighted up, on a nagging length and outside off, Wadkar strides across to defend.

81.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Pushed through quicker around off, Karun Nair with a cheeky reverse dab down to deep third and he picks up another single.

81.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Just a tad fuller and at the stumps, Nair watchfully blocks it off.

81.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Flatter delivery, angled into the pads, Nair rocks back and tucks it away wide of short leg.

80.6: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, A wicket-maiden! Flightd up again, a bit straighter on the stumps, Wadkar leans on to block.

80.5: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Floated up, full and around off, eased away to mid off.

80.4: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Oh, a bit of bite again! Quicker through the air, drifted in from outside off but turns away after pitching, Wadkar makes a watchful leave.

80.3: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Nicely flighted, in and around off, kept out on the off side by Wadkar.

80.2: Aditya Sarwate to Akshay Wadkar, Oh, in the air but will fall in no man's land! This is tossed up around off, drifting in, Akshay Wadkar leans on and looks to flick it away but gets a leading edge that goes in between the bowler, short extra cover and mid off.

Akshay Wadkar walks to the middle.

80.1: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, OUT! LBW! Excellent review and a relief here for Kerala! Aditya Sarwate flights the ball up, but bowls it on a length, not quite full and drps it around off. Yash Rathod goes on the back foot and strides across to flick it away. However, the ball turns back in sharply and clips the back pad before rolling down to fine leg. There is a huge appeal that is turned down but it is reviewed. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking show three reds. The onfield decision is overturned and Sarwate gets his first wicket of the innings.

The second new ball is available now! Kerala will continue with the old one for now! They have taken a review for LBW. Clearly no bat on it. Ball Tracking shows THREE REDS. Kerala have an opening. 

79.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Flighted up around off, Karun Nair strides across and looks for the reverse sweep but fails to get it away. A half-hearted appeal for leg bye but turned down.

79.5: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Fuller in length, angled in from around middle, kept out.

79.4: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Slow and short around off, Rathod presses back and guides it down to deep third for a single.

79.3: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Flights it up, full and on off, blocked off the front foot by Rathod.

79.2: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Darted in fuller and around leg, Rathod can't quite get forward and just pads it away.

79.1: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Drops it a bit short and on off, played off the back foot and punched away to overs.

78.6: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, Flighted ball around off, Rathod looks to step out but is beaten in the flight and adjusts before clipping it down to fine leg for a single.

78.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Floated up on the pads, wristed away down to deep backward square leg for an easy single.

78.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Angles this one into the pads, on a nagging length and Nair just nudges it away to the right of short mid-wicket.

78.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Pushed through a bit quicker and around off, Nair pushes it out on the off side now.

78.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Another fuller one, drifted into middle and leg, Karun Nair leans on to make another block.

78.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flighted ball, around middle, blocked off the front foot.

77.6: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, On the shorter side and outside off, Nair taps it off the back foot behind point and sets off for the single. The fielder there scampers across to his left and keeps it down to one.

77.5: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Nicely flighted, a bit full and around off, Nair leans on to defend.

77.4: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Flatter delivery, pushed wide of the off stump, Nair backs away and cuts it late, behind point and picks up a couple of more runs.

77.3: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Tossed up on middle and leg, Karun Nair uses his feet to step out and clips it away firmly wide of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

77.2: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Flatter one on middle, this one darts back in with the arm, Nair backs away to defend.

77.1: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Loopy delivery, floated up around leg, Rathod clears the front leg and drives it down to long on for a single.

76.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Maiden! Flighted delivery on off and middle, Nair lunges and blocks it off.

76.5: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Tosses the ball up, full and on off, Nair leans on to defend.

76.4: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Flighted up around the pads, Nair gets into the bit of a tangle and can't quite get it away.

76.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Sees the batter advancing and drags the length back. Karun Nair adjust and blocks it off.

76.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Slows it up now and drifts it into the pads, Nair nudges it past short leg.

76.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Darted in fuller and outside off, Nair leans on to defend. 

Drinks break! Time for the final official hydration break of the day and Kerala are being made to toil hard in the field. Vidarbha lead has now stretched to 266 runs and they are looking firmly in control with Karun Nair on 119* and the top-scorer of the season, Yash Rathod at the other end. Kerala need a couple of wickets in the final hour to give them a lift-up heading into the final day.

75.6: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Tossed up on middle, Rathod flicks it with great timing through square leg for two.

75.5: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Flat and around off, Rathod gets behind the line of the delivery to block.

75.4: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Tossed up on off, Nair punches it to long off for a single.

75.3: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, FOUR! Spreaded field and he still finds the fence! Floats it on middle, fuller and Nair sweeps it through square leg, the fielder runs to his left but to no avail.

75.2: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Now Nair gets on the front foot and blocks this out.

75.1: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Tad short and outside off, Nair stands tall and strokes it to point.

74.6: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Flat and outside off, Rathod puches off the back foot to cover.

74.5: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Outside off, Nair dabs it to third man for a single.

74.4: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Bowls in the rough and gets it to spin back in. Nair tucks it softly to short leg.

74.3: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Slows it up and bowls it full, on middle, this is eased to long on for a single.

74.2: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Fighted full and on middle, Rathod defends.

74.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Sees Nair getting forward and Jalaj Saxena drags his length a short. Nair pushes it to mid on for a single.

73.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, An easy single to end the over as Nair drives it down to long off.

73.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Slants in a full ball on middle, Nair prods and defends it out.

73.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Keeps it very full and sliding down leg, Nair paddles it to fine leg for a couple of runs.

73.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Aditya Sarwate need to drag his length back by a bit! Too full and on middle, easily defended.

73.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flat and well outside off, Nair has nothing to do with it.

73.1: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, Slightly short and on middle, Rathod turns it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

72.6: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, SHARP RUN! Quicker fuller and on middle, Rathod leans and nudges with soft hands to square leg for one.

72.5: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, 10th dot in a row! Floated on middle, this is defended out.

72.4: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Tossed up on off, Rathod knocks it straight to mid off.

72.3: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, On a length and around off, Rathod punches well but to short cover. 

72.2: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Flatter delivery around off, angling in. Rathod hangs back to defend.

72.1: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Floats it full and on middle and leg. Rathod defends with his bat and pad together.

71.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, The one that skids on! Tossed up full and on off, spins slightly away. Nair looks to defend across but misses.

71.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Pushes it full and on middle, Nair presses forward and blocks it out.

71.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, A bit of flight but the line is well outside off, Nair shoulders arms to it.

71.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Slightly short and outside off, Nair punches it hard but straight to cover.

71.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Goes full and targetting the stumps. Nair happily blocks it out.

71.1: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, Floated delivery on middle, Rathod steps across and tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

70.6: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Floated full and on middle, Nair leans into his defensive shot.

70.5: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Bowls it flat and angling on middle, Nair goes back and knocks it to cover.

70.4: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Outside off and it turns away. Nair rocks back and cuts but to point.

70.3: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Solid since morning! Tossed up on middle, Nair defends on the front foot.

70.2: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Quicker through the air, full and on middle, Rathod turns it to square leg for a single.

70.1: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Akshay Chandran flights it across the left-hander, outside off and Rathod pushes it down to mid off.

A small hydration break now. The players are feeling the heat and the fielding side needs some respite and Jalaj Saxena can be seen gasping for air.

69.6: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, Keeps the strike again! On middle, floats it full and Rathod drills it to long on.

69.5: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, Another dot as Yash Rathod blocks this full ball.

69.4: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, Flat and on middle, Rathod leans and blocks it out.

69.3: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, Rathod uses his feet again and Aditya Sarwate slows it up, on middle, and Rathod tries to flick but gets a top edge to mid off.

69.2: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, On middle, Rathod shuffles inside his crease and pushes it to mid on.

69.1: Aditya Sarwate to Yash Rathod, Tossed up on off, Rathod prods and dead bats it.

68.6: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Floated full on middle, Rathod eases it to mid on and keeps the strike. 

68.5: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, FOUR! Fine shot! Flights it very full and on off, Rathod sweeps with the turn through square leg and it races to the fence.

68.4: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Short in length and outside off, Rathod mistimes his push back to the bowler.

68.3: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Slightly full and on middle and off, Nair brings out the sweep and plays it to square leg for one.

68.2: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Tossed up on off, Nair leans and blocks it out.

68.1: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Spin from both ends then! Akshay Chandran bowls it full and on off. Nair defends with a straight bat.

67.6: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, A dot to end the over! Jalaj Saxena not able to extract turn! On middle, fuller. Rathod easily blocks.

67.5: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Touch fuller and lands it on off. Rathod presses forward to block.

67.4: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Tight from Saxena! Tossed up on off, with not much space to free the arms. Rathod goes back and defends.

67.3: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Flighted full and on middle, Rathod defends.

67.2: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Tossed up on middle, Rathod nudges it to square leg for a single. With the single, Yash Rathod becomes the leading run scorer of this season's Ranji Trophy. 

67.1: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Jalaj Saxena serves it on the slower side, full and on middle, Rathod blocks.

66.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, This is full and on middle, Nair defends it out.

66.5: Eden Apple Tom to Yash Rathod, Risky again! Pitched up, outside off, Rathod with a thick edge to his drive, splices it to third man for one.

66.4: Eden Apple Tom to Yash Rathod, FOUR! 200 up! The lead is of 239! A low full toss, dished outside off. Rathod looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge past the diving second slip fielder and to third man for four.

66.3: Eden Apple Tom to Yash Rathod, Another dot! Short of a length and on middle, Rathod hops and blocks.

66.2: Eden Apple Tom to Yash Rathod, Touch fuller and bowls it outside off, Rathod hits it straight to point.

66.1: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, On a length and outside off, jags away after landing. Nair knocks it past point for a single.

65.6: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, MAIDEN! Slower, fuller and on middle, Rathod pushes it to mid off.

65.5: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Flighted full and on middle, Rathod defends on the front foot.

65.4: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Bowls with an angle, full and on middle, Rathod tucks it to mid-wicket.

65.3: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Too full and on middle, Rathod leans and blocks.

65.2: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Slightly quicker on the fullish side, on middle, Rathod blocks.

65.1: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Flat and turning on the pads. Rathod hangs back and tucks it to square leg.

64.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Tom goes back to the fuller length delivery, outside off, Nair drives well but finds the man at point.

64.5: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Drags his length back by a long way, this is outside off, it is left alone.

64.4: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, FOUR! Well played! Pitches it up outside off. Nair opens the face of the bat and drives it square on the off side and beats the man in the deep. A boundary. 

64.3: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Fuller delivery on off and it nips back in a touch. Nair looks to push across but plays off the inner half back to Tom.

64.2: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, On a good length and on middle, Nair presses forward and keeps it out.

64.1: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, A skiddy length delivery, outside off, Nair lets it go to the keeper.

63.6: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Just slows it up and bowls it in the rough, outside off and it spins away. Rathod thinks to play at it but withdraws his bat at the last moment. 

63.5: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Another dot! Flatter and outside off, Rathod defends it well.

63.4: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Fractionally short and on off, Rathod punches well but to silly point who gets hit on his legs. 

63.3: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, This one comes with a bit of an angle, on middle, Rathod nudges it to mid-wicket.

63.2: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Flatter and turning in on off, Rathod with soft hands blocks again.

63.1: Jalaj Saxena to Yash Rathod, Tossed up full and on off, Rathod leans and blocks it to cover.

62.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Nair gets tempted! Good length ball, outside off, Nair chops his shot to the man at gully. 

62.5: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Gets close to the stumps but still at the 5th stump line. Nair offers no shot.

62.4: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Non troubling line! Full and way outside off, Nair shoulders arms to it.

62.3: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Well outside off on a length. Nair lets it go.

62.2: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Eden Apple Tom serves it on a good length and on off at 133 clicks. Nair blocks it to cover.

62.1: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Good stop in the deep! Length and outside off, Nair punches it to sweeper cover. MD Nidheesh runs to his right, puts his foot across and saves a couple.

Eden Apple Tom to operate from the other end.

61.6: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Thie one comes with the arm, flighted on off, Nair plays it softly to third man for a single.

61.5: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Tosses it up full and on off, Nair prods across and blocks.

61.4: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Keeps it on the slower side, bit more flight on this one, on middle, Nair with his head down defends it.

61.3: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Slows it up and bowls it around off, Nair goes back and defends it to cover.

61.2: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Floats it full and on off, Nair defends with a big stride forward.

61.1: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Flatter delivery, outside off, Rathod punches it to cover and gets off the mark with a run.

Back for the final session. Yash Rathod and Karun Nair to resume the batting. Akshay Chandran to bowl after the break. 

...Day 4, Session 3...

Kerala looked tired once there was nothing on offer from the pitch. The seamers failed to make any impact and Sachin Baby had to turn to his spinners for some reward. They had to grind hard a lot but got the big wicket of Danish Malewar at the stroke of Tea. Kerala still have plenty of work to do. Most importantly, they have to earn the prize wicket of Nair but it feels like Kerala will stick to spinners as they are extracting a bit of turn. Stay tuned for the final session as it begins at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT).

TEA! A big sigh of relief for Kerala as they finally have something to cheer at the end of this session. The wicket of Danish Malewar have given them a glimmer of hope that they can get the better of this Vidarbha team however, it was the batting team through and through before that.  The duo, Danish Malewar and Karun Nair, who have been so good throughout this tournament, once again stepped up on the biggest occasion. A 182-run stand in the second innings in the final has put Vidarbha in the driving seat with the lead reading 226 runs now.

60.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, A maiden and that will be TEA ON DAY 4! Tossed up around middle, Karun Nair leans right on and solidly blocks it off.

60.5: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Just holds this one back a touch and drifts it onto middle. Nair leans on to block but does so off the sticker of the bat and the ball just lobs up ever so slightly.

60.4: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Back to over the wickt now, bowls it fairly full and around off, Nair tentatively nudges it off the outside edge and wide of the keeper.

60.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Keeps it full and slides it across off, Nair just eases it away to covers.

60.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Around the wicket now, bowled full and on middle and leg, Nair defends it off.

60.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, A stifled appeal for a catch but that clearly misses the bat. Quick and full on leg, turning in sharply, Nair misses the flick and the ball goes off the pads wide of leg slip where Sachin Baby pouches it.

59.6: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Floated up around leg, Rathod uses his feet now and pushes it a bit uppishly to short mid-wicket. A wicket-maiden then for Akshay Chandran.

59.5: Akshay Chandran to Yash Rathod, Lobbed up around leg stump, Yash Rathod backs away and jams it down towards short mid-wicket.

Yash Rathod is the new man in.

59.4: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Finally, some respite for Kerala and it is Akshay Chandran who gets the breakthrough. Lovely bit of flight on this one, drifted in from around off and draws Danish Malewar forward. Malewar looks to block down the line but the ball turns away with some extra bounce and takes the outside edge. The ball then clips the pads as well and lobs straight to Sachin Baby at the first slip and he makes no error. End of another fine knock by Malewar on 73 and the 182-run stand is now broken.

59.3: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, A half-hearted appeal for caught behind but not given! This is nicely bowled by Chandran, slow and full on off, gets it to grip a bit as well. Malewar leans on to block but the ball just goes past the outside edge.

59.2: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, On a length and around off, sliding on, Malewar leans halfway and just punches it away towards point.

59.1: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, Nagging length, in and around off, Malewar leans across and blocks it off with soft hands.

58.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Tossed up on the stumps, Nair leans on and clips it away just to the leg side.

58.5: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Lovely delivery! Flights it up, bowls it on a nagging length and gets it to dip around off, Karun Nair lunges to defend but this one goes on with the arm and beats the outside edge.

58.4: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Flighted up around off, watchfully blocked off.

58.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Tossed up outside off, Malewar fetches the ball and sweeps it away just behind square leg for a single.

58.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Held back a touch and floated up outside off, Malewar leans on and tentatively blocks it off.

58.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, There it is, A HUNDRED FOR NAIR! Full and straight, Karun Nair jut turns it through mid-wicket for one and brings up his 23rd First-class century. This is his second century in a Ranji Trophy Final and what a classy knock this has been from the veteran.

57.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Full and on leg, nudged away through backward square leg for one and Nair is now on 99.

57.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Slows it up and floats it around middle, Nair gets forward to defend.

57.4: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Short of a length and outside off, tapped away through cover-point for an easy single.

57.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Floated up full and down leg this time, Karun Nair brings out the dab sweep and gets it well fine. The fielder at deep backward square leg runs a long way to his right and dives in to save a run for his side. Nair moves to 98 now.

57.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Floated up, a bit fuller and around off, kept out by Nair.

57.1: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Nicely drifted onto middle and leg, tucked awat 'round the corner for a single.

56.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Quicker throigh the air at 91 clicks, darted across off, Nair eases it towards point for no run.

56.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flighted delivery around middle, Danish Malewar goes down for the sweep and gets right on top of the bounce, getting it down to deep square leg for a single.

56.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Floats it up a bit slower but well outside off, Malewar gets a big stride across and blocks it off.

56.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Bowled flatter and targeting the off stump, Malewar stays back and nudges it down late and wide of first slip.

56.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Nagging length around off, dabbed away off the back foot and just behind point for a quick single.

56.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Drops it fractionally short onto middle and leg, Nair rocks back and keeps it down in front of short leg.

Change. Jalaj Saxena is back into the attack.

55.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Short ball on the pads, Nair hops back and clips it away wide of square leg for a single and moves on to 94 now.

55.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Fired in a bit, into the pads, Nair blocks it with a straight bat and down the pitch.

55.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, BEATEN! Tossed up, drifted onto off and middle and Karun Nair is drawn forward to block. The ball though grips and turns away gently, beating the outside edge.

55.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flattens the trajectory and bowls it on off, Nair solidly blocks it off.

55.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flighted again and on off, Karun Nair leans across and gets inside the line to sweep it uppishly and down to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

55.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flighted ball, in and around off, Nair prods halfway and blocks it off.

54.6: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Easily done! Floated up, full and wide, Nair leans on and opens the bat face before gliding it with soft hands and wide of cover-point for a quick single.

54.5: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Nicely flighted around middle, just drifting in a bit, Nair leans on and blocks it off the full face of the bat.

54.4: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Tossed up again, drifting onto off, Nair leans on to block.

54.3: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, Shorter length on off and middle, Malewar presses back and just across a bit before punching it down to long on for a run.

54.2: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, Another tossed-up delivery, full on off, pushed out into the off side.

54.1: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, Tossed up on middle and leg, blocked down the pitch by Malewar.

53.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Maiden! Flatter one around off, dabbed away to short third and Karun Nair looks for the single but is quickly sent back and rightly so.

53.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Slows it up and bowls it around off, just eases it off the outer half of the blade to point.

53.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Nicely bowled! Full and flighted on off, just dips a bit, Nair blocks it off the inner half of the blade.

53.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flighted ball on off, Karun Nair leans on to defend.

53.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Good length around off, a bit more energy into the ball, Nair stays baclk and keeps it out.

53.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Nagging length, floated up around off, Nair blocks it off with ease.

52.6: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Slow and short around off, all the time in the world for Karun Nair to rock back and punch it away to deep cover for a single.

52.5: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Full on off, driven back to the bowler.

52.4: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Flights this one up in and around off stump, Nair leans on to defend.

52.3: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Gives it a bit of a loop and floats it up on the pads, Nair blocks it off.

52.2: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, Tossed up again on middle, Malewar steps out and lofts it on the bounce towards long on for a single.

52.1: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Tossed up, full and drifted onto middle, eased away wide of mid off for a quick single by Nair.

51.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Tossed up outside off, Nair plays the reverse sweep and gets it past the diving fielder at short third and into the deep for one more.

51.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Drags the length back again over middle, Malewar presses back and pushes it wide of mid on for an easy single.

51.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flatter one, bowled quicker and angled in at the batter, Malewar hops back to defend.

51.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Drops it a bit short and on the pads, Malewar tucks it away neatly from the crease and to the right of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

51.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Nicely flighted, on a nagging length around off and this one dips, Malewar watchfully keeps it out.

51.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flighted up on off and middle, Malewar leans forward and pushes it to mid on.

50.6: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, Just slides this one into the pads, Malewar looks to block but gets an inside edge through backward square leg for a single.

50.5: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, Flighted again on off, just drifting in a touch, Malewar lunged to defend.

50.4: Akshay Chandran to Danish Malewar, Nicely flighted ball at around 79 clicks, gets it to drop as well, Malewar blocks it off.

50.3: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Full and on fifth stump, stroked away off the front foot through covers for one.

50.2: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, TWO BYES! Tossed up, full and down leg, Karun Nair looks for the paddle sweep but misses and the ball eludes the keeper as well. It rolls down to fine leg as the batters pick up a couple of byes.

50.1: Akshay Chandran to Karun Nair, Starts around the wicket, floating it up on leg, Nair eases it down to mid on.

Akshay Chandran to finally have a go now.

49.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Tossed up, full and outside off, caressed away to the left of covers for a single. The lead now moves on to 200 runs!

49.5: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Back to over the wicket now, hed bak a bit and flighted up around off, Nair tentatively dabs it down the pitch.

49.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Around the wicket now, angled across off, Malewar eases it just wide of mid off and picks up a quick single.

49.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, A touch fuller again and darted in from off, Malewar lunged well ahead and blocks it off.

49.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Tossed up around off, Malewar leans ahead and punches it to mid on.

49.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Nair looking in full flow now. Full and around off, this is reverse-swept down to deep third for one.

48.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, A bit fuller and just angling down leg, Karun Nair plays the dab sweep nd gets it down to fine leg. The ball rolls away but it is cut off and they pick up three runs.

48.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Darted in a bit on leg, jammed out to mid on.

48.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, SIX! Another one, this time over long off! Flighted up on a dragged length around off, Karun Nair skips down the pitch again and checks his shot, lofting it high up. The fielder from mid off runs back but the ball sails over the fence. The 150-run stand now comes up between these two.

48.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, SIX! A clean strike! Tossed up on middle and leg, Karun Nair comes down the pitch and stays leg side of the ball, before lofting it with one leg and easily over long on for a biggie.

48.2: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Flighted up on the pads, turned away past square leg or an easy single.

48.1: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Loopy delivery, tossed up full and around off, Danish Malewar creams the drive straight to covers.

47.6: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, A single to end the over as Malewar punches it to point. 

47.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Shorter and outside off, Malewar hits it through covers for a brace. 

47.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, TWO BYES! This one lands on middle and turns away sharply. Malewar fails to defend and it lobs away past leg slip and to fine leg for two.

47.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Malewar steps across and nudges this full ball to mid-wicket.

47.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Slower in the air full and on middle, Malewar eases it to mid on.

47.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Jalaj Saxena bowls it flat and on off, Malewar punches it back to the bowler.

Drinks break! A fruitful first hour after the interval for Vidarbha and they are now really cruising along. The pair of Karun Nair and Danish Malewar has yet again proven to be a thorn in the bush for Kerala and they don't seem to have much answer right now. Wickets are the need of the hour and they need a couple at least before Tea. Let's see how things pan out.

46.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Sharp from Aditya Sarwate but solid from Nair! Tossed up on middle, this is defended out.

46.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Floats it full and on off and middle. Nair softly dead bats it.

46.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Angling on middle, straightens up this time. Nair tucks it to mid-wicket.

46.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Angles in a full ball on middle and it turns away slightly. Nair presses on the front foot and defends.

46.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Floats it full and on middle, Nair solidly blocks it out.

46.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Slants it very full and on middle, Nair nudges it on the leg side.

45.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Better from Nair! Full and on off, Nair reverse sweeps it to third man for a single.

45.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flatter and outside off, Malewar strokes it to extra cover for a single.

45.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Pushes it full and around off, Malewar leans and blocks it.

45.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, On middle, Nair drills it to long on and rotates the strike.

45.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Bowls it full and on middle, Nair reverse sweeps, he miscues his shot to cover but still gets a brace.

45.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Tossed up on middle and spins in. Nair opens up his body to flick but gets a soft leading edge back to Saxena.

44.6: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, FOUR! SOLID! Malewar looks in fine rhythm now! Pitched up, outside off, Malewar smashes it down past the diving mid off fielder and it races away.

44.5: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Easy pickings! Too full and on middle and leg. Malewar whips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple.

44.4: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Bye! Goes for the yorker again but spills it well down leg, the keeper gets a hand on it and parries it to fine leg for a bye.

44.3: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Dishes out a yorker on middle, Nair nicely flicks it to square leg.

44.2: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, On a driving length, outside off. Nair mistimes his push and it rolls back on the deck. 

44.1: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Goes very full and on middle, Malewar eases it to the right of mid on for a single.

43.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Quicker and fuller on middle, Nair leans and blocks it out.

43.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Fifty for the young Malewar! Man of the match performance so far from him! Floated outside off, Malewar plays it to point for a single.

43.4: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Full and outside off. Nair pushes it to point for a single. 

43.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Full and on middle, Nair blocks.

43.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Tossed up on off, it spins in. Malewar nudges it to mid-wicket for one.

43.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Jalaj Saxena flights this one full on middle, Malewar defends.

42.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Goes full and on middle, Nair blocks it solidly to end the over.

42.5: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Hard length delivery, outside off, angled away. Nair shoulders arms.

42.4: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Runs coming easily now! On the pads, Malewar helps it to fine leg for one more.

42.3: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Shorter and on middle, Nair pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

42.2: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Short in length and on middle, Malewar tucks it to the leg side for one more.

42.1: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Eden Apple Tom bowls it full and on middle, Nair nudges it to mid-wicket for one.

41.6: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Malewar presses forward to defend this full ball. Kerala need to stick with spin from one end.

41.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, FOUR! Needed a sharp reaction! Flat and around off, skids on as it spins back in sharply. Malewar rocks on the back foot to defend but outside edges it past first slip and to third man.

41.4: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Too full and on middle, Nair reverse sweeps it to third man for a single.

41.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flighted full outside off and it turns in sharply. Malewar leans to defend but gets an inside edge and it lobs over leg slip for one. Given as a leg bye.

41.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Tossed up on middle, blocked to mid-wicket.

41.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Floats it full and angling on middle, Malewar eases it to mid on.

40.6: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, A dot to end the over as Nair shoulders arms to this outside off delivery. MD Nidheesh once again gets a warning from the official for stepping in the danger zone. Second warning! One more and could be in a big trouble.

40.5: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, In the same channel, a bit more width and Nair shoulders arms to it.

40.4: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Hard length delivery, outside off, Malewar punches it off the back foot to third man for one.

40.3: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Fractionally short and around off, Nair bunts it to mid-wicket for one more. 

40.2: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Fuller delivery down the leg side. Nair offers no shot.

40.1: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Good length ball at 127 clicks, across the batter. Nair leaves it alone. 

39.6: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Flatter and around off, angled in. Malewar goes back and knocks it to cover.

39.5: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Keeps it full and around off, Malewar punches it back to the bowler. 

39.4: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, On middle, fuller and Malewar blocks it to mid on.

39.3: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Angling on middle, Malewar on his front foot defends.

39.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, The one that comes with the arm on middle, Nair leans to flick but inside edges it to square leg for one.

39.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Aditya Sarwate flights it full and outside off, Nair pushes it to cover.

38.6: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Short in length and just outside off, Nair punches it to cover for an easy single. 

38.5: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, FOUR! These two have added 100 runs together! One of the main reasons why Vidarbha are in the finals! Easy pickings. On the pads. Nair helps it to fine leg for a boundary.

38.4: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Comes back to target the middle stump. Nair offers a solid defensive shot.

38.3: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Excellent stuff! Nagging length, outside off, angled away. Nair half-presses to defend but misses.

38.2: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Touch fuller and outside off, Malewar drops it to cover for a single. A warning for MD Nidheesh as he steps on the danger zone in his follow through.

38.1: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, MD Nidheesh looks the one who could break the partnership. A good length ball on top of off. Nair looks to defend but slices it past the slip region and to third man for one.

37.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Darted on the pads, Nair flicks it to square leg for a single.

37.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, A huge appeal for LBW but turned down. Time to think.... Kerala take it upstairs. On the fuller side, floated a bit on middle and comes with an angle. Nair leans and tries to defend in front of the pads but misses and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge shows no bat. Ball Tracking shows it misses the stumps. These are desperate times for Kerala! They lose the review.

37.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, An arm ball on middle, on the fuller length. Nair prods and blocks.

37.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Gives a bit of air, full and on middle, Nair nudges it to square leg.

37.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Very full and outside off, Nair presses forward and knocks it to point. 

37.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, On the fuller side on middle, Nair plays it back to Aditya Sarwate.

36.6: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Outside off and a bit of width on offer. Malewar cuts but straight to point.

36.5: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Length ball on middle from wide of the crease. Nair flicks it to square leg for a single. 

36.4: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Pitched up outside off, Malewar drives it to covers for a quick single. 

36.3: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Goes very full and on middle, Malewar turns it to mid-wicket.

36.2: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, A good length ball on off, Malewar chops it to point.

36.1: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, 100 up for Vidarbha! A length ball slanting on middle, Nair is squared up as he looks to push, splices it to point for one.

35.6: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Tossed up on middle, Malewar leans and blocks to end the over.

35.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flatter delivery on middle, Nair flicks it to deep square leg for a single. Man on mission. Fifty for Karun Nair! The experienced man steps up on the biggest stage. Hopefully, he can covert it into a big one this time.

35.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, In the same region, fuller and around off, Nair pushes it back to the bowler.

35.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Keeps bowling on the fuller side, this is on off, Nair solidly defends it.

35.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Floats it full and around off, Nair leans and blocks it out.

35.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Starts with a fuller delivery on middle and leg. Nair defends on the front foot.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Aditya Sarwate.

34.6: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, On 49! Length and on leg, Nair clips it through mid-wicket for easy single.

34.5: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Touch fuller and around off, no width this time and Niar blocks it to point.

34.4: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Serves it full and on middle and leg. Nair flicks it through square leg and comes back for the second.

34.3: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, FOUR! Moves to 46! Short in length and outside off, a bit of width and Nair on his toes slaps it through point for a boundary.

34.2: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, MD Nidheesh bowls on the shorter side, outside off, Nair shoulders arms to it.

34.1: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Dishes out a full ball on the pads. Malewar tickles it down to fine leg to get the second session underway. 

We are back for the post-Lunch session on Day 4! The umpires are back out in the middle and so are the players of Kerala. Danish Malewar and Karun Nair are set to resume their stay at the crease for Vidarbha. MD Nidheesh to start proceedings with the ball...

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

Kerala will be thinking about what could have been! The decision to start with a spinner from one end proved to be fruitful as Jalaj Saxena picked up a wicket off his first ball and then MD Nidheesh picked up a wicket as well. They had to wait for a bit but a big chance did come off the bowling of Eden Apple Tom but Akshay Chandran at slip dropped the catch of Karun Nair which has now cost them dearly. They haven't created many wicket-taking opportunities after that and need to come up with a different plan after the interval in order to get back into the contest. Join us at around 12.40 pm IST (7.10 pm GMT) for the crucial post-Lunch session on Day 4.

The opening session of Day 4 began with a bang as Kerala picked up 2 wickets inside the first 3 overs and had Vidarbha reeling at 7/2! However, that pairing of Danish Malewar and Karun Nair has once again stepped up for the home side and after that 215-run stand in the first innings, they have now stitched an unbeaten stand of 83 so far. It has not been easy but they have absorbed a lot of pressure and will be feeling much better when they come back out after the interval.

SESSION SUMMARY - 34 overs, 90 runs and 2 wickets! Well then, at Lunch on Day 4, Vidarbha will be feeling confident as they now have a lead of 127 runs and have 8 wickets intact as well. Kerala started the session so brightly but will be disappointed with how things have played out right now.

33.6: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Shortish length around off, tapped away from the crease and wide of mid-wicket for a single. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 4!

33.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, FOUR! A real gift and Malewar obliges! Lobbed up, too full and outside off, Danish Malewar waits well and thrashes the drive wide of extra cover and picks up a boundary.

33.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Bowled into the pitch and well outside off, Malewar walks across and tucks it away behind square leg.

33.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flighted up, on a length and outside off, Malewar looks to pad it away but it flicks the flap of the pad and goes straight onto the helmet of Mohammed Azharuddeen the keeper. A mandatory concussion check to now follow. Thankfully, everything seems good.

33.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Oh, the leg slip was just taken off! Nagging length, turning sharply onto middle and leg, Nair tucks it off the inside edge and through the leg slip slip for a single.

33.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Flat and on a good length around off, played off the back foot to mid on by Nair.

32.6: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Bowled on a fuller length and around off, Malewar looks to get forward and drive but mistimes it badly to mid off.

32.5: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Not much pace on that one, full and wide outside off, left alone by the batter and the ball dies on its way to the keeper.

32.4: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Pitched up outside off, Malewar drives on the up, a bit uppishly and towards mid off again.

32.3: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Floats this one up full and angles it in from around off, Danish Malewar leans on well and drives it firmly but straight to mid off.

32.2: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Length ball again, bowled well wide of the off stump left alone by Malewar.

32.1: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Pitches it up on a good length and slants it in from around middle, Malewar solidly blocks it back to the bowler.

MD Nidheesh is back on for one quick over before Lunch.

31.6: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flighted ball, full and outside off, edged away down to deep third again but for a single this time.

31.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, FOUR! Nicely bowled this time but there's no slip in place! Slows it up now and bowls it on a nagging length wide outside off, Malewar strides across to defend but gets an outside edge that rolls away fine and beats deep third for a boundary.

31.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, A bit fuller and around off, Malewar walks inside the line and clips it away to the leg side. Saxena just a bit too quick on this surface at the moment.

31.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Bowls it flat again and outside off, Malewar stays on the back foot and jams it out on the off side.

31.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flighted up, fuller and on off, eased away off the front foot to mid on.

31.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Quick and flat outside off, hit the rough and comes back in, Malewar hops back and manages to nudge it to short leg.

30.6: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Karun Nair, Switches to over the wicket and bowls it a bit full on off, Karun Nair gets on the front foot and blocks it to the off side.

30.5: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Karun Nair, Stays around the stumps for now and pitches the ball up on middle, Nair punches it back but Basil make s good stop diving to his right.

30.4: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Nedumankuzhy Basil and Kerala playing with fire here. Had length onto the pads, Malewar gets an inside edge off the pads and through square leg for one. Basil gets a second official warning for steping onto the danger area and one more warning would see him out of the attack.

30.3: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Back of a length, bowled over middle and leg, Malewar tries to get forward but adjusts and taps it down in front of mid off.

30.2: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Karun Nair, Pitched-up delivery, angling across off, Nair gets forward and pushes it tentatively wide of covers for a quick single.

30.1: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Karun Nair, Basil comes back on and comes around the stumps. This is bowled full and angled across off, left alone by Nair.

29.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Tossed up, full and around off, Nair gets inside the line and clips it down to long on for another single.

29.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Full again and around off, Malewar leans on and pushes it just wide of mid off for a quick single.

29.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Nicely tossed up, straight on the stumps, worked away to short mid-wicket.

29.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Shorter in length and around off, Malewar hops back and across to cover the line and makes a block.

29.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Slows it up and bowls it full and wide, Malewar leans across to block but gets an outside edge that trickles fine of short third and they pick up a couple of runs.

29.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Naging length, attacking the off stump, Malewar opts to block it off the back foot.

28.6: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Slow and short, sitting up outside off, punched away sweetly from the crease to deep cover for one.

28.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Drags the length back and angles it into middle and leg, Nair camps back and turns it to the leg side for one more.

28.4: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, This is angled in towards middle and leg, sliding right on, Malewar gets an inside edge towards fine leg and picks up a single.

28.3: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Nice and full around off, gripping a bit, Malewar strides across and make another assured leave.

28.2: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Darted in a bit and around off, Malewar leaves it alone as the ball goes on with the arm and just misses the stumps.

28.1: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Slows it up a bit and floats it on middle, blocked off.

27.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Nagging length, floats it up a bit wide of off, Nair leans across and just about blocks it off.

27.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Bowled flatter and around off, Malewar presses backj and punches it away wide of covers for an easy single.

27.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, A bit quicker and fuller around off, Malewar jams it out to covers.

27.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flighted up, trying to drift it in from around off, Malewar walks inside the line and blocks it out.

27.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Flighted up around off, Nair brings out the reverse sweep and gets it down to deep third for one more.

27.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flatter one, on a length around off, punched away through covers for one.

26.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Tossed up on off, Karun Nair is quick to come down the pitch and drives it on the full through covers for a couple of handy runs.

26.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Nicely flighted, slows it up at just 77 clicks and gets some grip off the surface, Nair stays watchful and blocks it off.

26.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Nagging length around off, blocked off by Nair.

26.3: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Flighted up around off, Danish Malewar has to reach for it and punches it tentatively down to mid off and scmapers through for a single.

26.2: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Nice and full, drifted onto middle, Malewar leans right on nd blocks it off the inside edge to the leg side.

26.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, A gentle full toss, drifted in from middle, Nair strokes it down to long off for a single.

25.6: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Oh, almost chipped back to the bowler! Nagging length and around off, Danish Malewar leans on to block but the ball just holds and goes off the sticker of the bat back to the bowler.

25.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Fuller in length, turning back in from around off, Malewar keeps it out.

25.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Wow, that turned a mile! Bowled quicker and on a nagging length outside off, Malewar presses back to block but the ball just keep coming back in and beats the inside edge to thud into the pads.

25.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Oh, that is a cracker of a delivery! Bowled at 86 clicks, on a slightly dragged length and around off, this one angles in but leaves the right-hander after pitching. Karun Nair gets completely squared up and the ball ends up going off the thigh pad down to deep third. They get a leg bye and the lead now goes to 100 runs.

25.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Over the wicket now, fuller and outside off, Nair leans on and clips it across to the leg side. A hint of turn there as well.

25.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Around the wicket, quicker and on leg, Nair rocks back and dabs it down to short leg.

Change. Jalaj Saxena is back for another spell. 

24.6: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Basil does switch to over the wicket and bowls it on a fuller length in the channel outside off, Malewar leaves it alone.

24.5: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Good-length delivery, slips this one down leg, Malewar fails to flick it away. Basil now gets an official warning for running onto the danger area.

24.4: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Hard length now, on off and angled across, Malewar hops back and keeps it out on the leg side.

24.3: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Short of a length and a bit wide of the off stump, Malewar cuts this one in front of square but straight to the cover-point fielder.

24.2: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Back of a length and angled across off, Malewar gets up and punches it opn the rise, sweetly too but straight to covers. Basil bowling around the wicket just to create some rough for the off-spinner Jalaj Saxena.

24.1: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Good running! Too full and on leg, Danish Malewar clips it away firmly and just to the right of deep square leg before the batters hustle back for two runs.

23.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Nicely bowled and another maiden for Sarwate! Bowls it a bit slower and drifts it into middle and leg, Karun Nair leans on to defend but is beaten and the ball hits the pads.

23.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Fuller ine length, on middle again and drifting in, Nair easily blocks it off again.

23.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Straightens the line and floats it on middle, Nair blocks it down the pitch.

23.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Held back a bit by the bowler and dropped on a nagging length around off, Nair lunges forward to defend again.

23.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Tossed up and drifted onto the pads, Nair nudges it away to square leg.

23.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Gives it some air and drifts it full around off, Nair leans on and blocks it late under the eyes.

22.6: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Good-length delivery, bowled straight at the stumps, Malewar leans on and defends it with the full face of the blade.

22.5: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Karun Nair, Hard length again, just drifting onto the pads, tickled down to fine leg for an easy single.

22.4: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Karun Nair, Bowls it on a hard length and on leg, Nair leans on and just nudges it away onto the on side.

22.3: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Karun Nair, Goes very full now and lands it around off, Karun Nair jams it out to the left of the bowler.

22.2: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Karun Nair, Pitched up again, around off and middle, Nair gets on the front foot to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

22.1: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Pitched up on off and angled across, Malewar gets forward to negate the angle and plays it with an open bat face down to deep third for a single.

21.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Back-to-back maidens for Kerala! Flighted again, on a nagging length and around off, drifting in a bit, Nair lunges and defends.

21.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Nicely flighted up, in and around off, Nair watchfully keeps it out.

21.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Dishes out a wide one, on a length and well outside off, Karun Nair leaves it alone.

21.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Tossed up this time around off, a hint of turn but Nair gets well forward and blocks it off.

21.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Gives it a bit more air and floats it around off, Nair leans right on and blocks it off.

21.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flighted ball, quite full and outside off, tapped away just in front of point.

20.6: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Basil begins with a maiden! Very full and angled across off, Malewar gets on the front foot andmistimes the drive to mid off.

20.5: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, And again! Fuller and angled across off, going on with the angle, Malewar leans on to defend but is beaten again.

20.4: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Oh, that is a ripper! Bowled at a gentle 123 clicks, on hard length on off and middle, this one just nips across with extra bounce and zips past the outside edge as Malewar looks to block.

20.3: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Nice use of the angle! A bit fuller around off, darted across the right-hander, Malewar leans on and has a poke at it but the ball goes past the outside edge.

20.2: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Length ball at the pads, tucked away to the right of mid-wicket where the fielder makes a diving stop.

20.1: Nedumankuzhy Basil to Danish Malewar, Starts from around the wicket and hits the deck hard, looking to just angle it across off, Malewar blocks it off to covers.

Nedumankuzhy Basil is into the attack.

19.6: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Darted in towards middle and leg, Malewar hops back and dabs it down through backward square leg for one.

19.5: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Nagging length, wide outside off, drifts in a bit, Malewar watchfully leaves it alone.

19.4: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Bowled flatter and around off, punched away from the crease towards covers.

19.3: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Fuller in length and on middle, blocked off by Malewar.

19.2: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Nicely bowled! Tossed up on off, drifts in a long way but then just turns square after pitching and Malewar is well beaten past the outside edge.

19.1: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flighted up on middle and leg, worked away around the corner for a single. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

18.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Good length again, this time at the stumps, Nair works it away through mid-wicket for one.

18.5: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Good length outside off, left alone by Nair.

18.4: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, DROPPED! Akshay Chandran has spilled an easy catch and what a let off this is! Lovely delivery from Tom, bowling it on a hard length and in the channel, gets it to nip away with extra bounce. Karun Nair is taken aback and can't get out of the shot as the ball takes the shoulder of the bat and goes towards first slip. Chandran reaches up to his left and probably is a bit too excited and ends up dropping it. How cost could this prove to be?

18.3: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Shortish length, angled in towards the body, Malewar tucks it away through mid-wicket and picks up a single.

18.2: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, FOUR! What a shot! Just back of a length and outside off, Danish Malewar stans tall, presses back a touch and just punches it sweetly in front of point and the ball rolls away into the fence.

18.1: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Full and straight, Malewar takes the front leg out and drives it straight back but can't beat mid on to his left.

17.6: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Drifted full and right in the blockhole around middle, Malewar digs this one down to long on for another single and the 50 is up for Vidarbha. They now lead by 87 runs.

17.5: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Nagging length now and around off, Malewar gets well forward and blocks it off.

17.4: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Tossed up, on off, Malewar blocks it off the front foot.

17.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Flighted, full and on leg, just wristed away towards squae leg for a single by Nair.

17.2: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Good running! On middle and leg, just nudged away wide of the keeper on the leg side for a quick single.

17.1: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Drifts this one in full and around leg, Malewar fails to get it away behind square leg.

16.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Good length, bowled wide of the off stump, this one hits a crack and just nips away, left alone for the keeper to collect.

16.5: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Full again and around the fifth stump now, going straight on, Nair makes another leave.

16.4: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, On the fuller side and angled in from around off, Nair strides across and shoulders arms at this one.

16.3: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Banged in on a hard length and in the channel, Nair presses back and defends it late in front of point.

16.2: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, FOUR! Put away! Full and wide this time, a bit too full, Nair is able to free the arms and drives it square through covers for a boundary.

16.1: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Beauty! Just a smidge fuller and in the channel around off at 139.7 clicks, Karun Nair is drawn into the drive but the ball holds its line and zips past the outside edge.

15.6: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Tosses this one up, full and around off, good pace on it as well, Malewar lunges to defend and it will be a maiden over from Aditya Sarwate.

15.5: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, This is darted into the pads, Malewar just nudges it gently onto the leg side.

15.4: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Fuller and straighter around middle, Malewar gets halfway forward and keeps it out.

15.3: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Nicely tossed up again, around off, Malewar leans on to block it towards cover.

15.2: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Oh, beaten! Lovely delivery as this is flighted up around off, drifts in and then grips and turns away with extra bounce, Malewar plays well inside the line of this one.

15.1: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Floats this one up on off, Danish Malewar lunges forward to defend.

Drinks break! A slight halt in the play as the two batters seem to be feeling the heat and are getting some fluids and applying the cold towel. Also, drinks have been signaled by the umpires. It has been an enticing first session so far with Kerala getting a couple of early breakthroughs but once again, the duo of Danish Malewar and Karun Nair has fought back hard and Vidarbha are now looking much more comfortable.

14.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, This one zips in a bit! Length ball on middle, Nair defends it back to Tom.

14.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Eden Apple Tom targets the top of off. Nair rocks back and blocks it to point. Eden Apple Tom has overstepped again.

14.5: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Good length delivery on middle, Nair defends well.

14.4: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Touch fuller and outside off, Nair with an angled bat plays it to point.

14.3: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Nair is nailing his shots. Good stop though. Very full on middle, Nair drives it crisply but Eden Apple Tom gets low and stops.

14.2: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Well outside off, Nair leaves it alone.

14.1: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Short of a length and on middle, Nair hangs back and defends it out.

13.6: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, QUICK RUN! Flatter and around off, stays low. Nair knocks it in front of point and takes a sharp single.

13.5: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Bowls it full and on middle, Nair solidly blocks on the deck.

13.4: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Angles it full and on middle, Nair on the front foot tucks it to square leg.

13.3: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Floats it full and on off, Nair prods and blocks it out.

13.2: Aditya Sarwate to Karun Nair, Slows it up and bowls it full and on off, Nair defends with soft hands.

13.1: Aditya Sarwate to Danish Malewar, Aditya Sarwate serves it full and on middle, Malewar nudges it to mid on for a single.

Jalaj Saxena gets a breather and in comes Aditya Sarwate into the attack.

12.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Goes full and outside off, Nair shoulders arms to it.

12.5: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Keeps bowling in the same channel, around off, Nair knocks it to point.

12.4: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Targets the off pole, on a length. Malewar splices his shot to third man for one.

12.3: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, A sharp length ball on middle, Malewar defends and his back hand is warn off due to some extra bounce.

12.2: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Drags his length back and bowls it on off, Malewar taps it to cover.

12.1: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Eden Apple Tom fires in a full ball on middle, Malewar with a straight bat defends.

11.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, FOUR! Flighted full on off, Nair brings out the reverse sweep through third man. MD Nidheesh runs to his left, dives but over the ball and it goes to the fence.

11.5: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Goes full and around off, Nair defends on the front foot.

11.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Tossed up on middle and turns in. Malewar tickles it to fine leg for a single.

11.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Tad short and quicker around off. Malewar goes across to defend.

11.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Jalaj Saxena serves it full and on middle, Malewar keeps it out on the off side.

11.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flighted full on middle, Malewar prods and defends.

10.6: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Good length ball on middle, Nair dead bats it on the deck.

10.5: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Easy pickings! Slanting on middle, Malewar turns it to square leg for one.

10.4: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, Slightly short and around off, Malewar on his toes defends it.

10.3: Eden Apple Tom to Danish Malewar, A good length delivery around off at 132 clicks, Malewar uses his feet to negotiate but gets beaten on the outside edge.

10.2: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Nair is anticipating what is coming! Angling on middle, Nair easily turns it to mid-wicket and takes one.

10.2: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Length ball, outside off, Nair lets it go. Eden Apple Tom has overstepped.

10.1: Eden Apple Tom to Karun Nair, Eden Apple Tom uses the wide of the crease as he serves this on a length and on off, Nair punches it to point.

A first change in the bowling. Eden Apple Tom is brought into the attack.

9.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Flat and outside off, Nair strokes it through covers for a single to end the over.

9.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Quicker through the air, full and on off, Malewar tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

9.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Loopy ball full and on off, Malewar solidly defends.

9.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Malewar gets inside the line again, full and around off, this is blocked out. Not what we have seen in the first innings. Different approach from Malewar here.

9.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Bowls it across the batter, well outside off, Malewar leaves it alone.

9.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Tossed up, outside off, Malewar gets inside the line of the delivery and defends.

8.6: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Length and on middle, Nair blocks it out.

8.5: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Angles in a full ball from wide of the crease, this is on off, Nair looks to drive but gets an inside edge to square leg. Edge saves him there or else it would have been tatters.

8.4: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, FOUR! Another one for Nair! Touch fuller and outside off, Nair leans and drives it square on the off side for a boundary.

8.3: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, This is full and on middle, Nair hits it through the line, nicely but straight to mid off.

8.2: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, Leg bye! Tailed across on the pads. Malewar misses his flick and it rolls to fine leg for a leg bye.

8.1: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, A good length ball slanting on middle, Malewar solidly blocks it out.

7.6: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, FOUR! Nair is settling in now! Nervy signs for Kerala if he gets comfortable. Very full and outside off, this is driven past cover for a boundary. 

7.5: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Length ball, outside off, stays a bit low. Nair mistimes his punch back to the bowler.

7.4: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Well outside off, Nair covers his stumps and lets it go.

7.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Quicker this time, full and outside off, it is punched to cover for one.

7.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Slower in the air, flat and outside off, Malewar is drawn forward to defend but misses.

7.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, TAP AND RUN! Flat and on off, Nair drops it in front of point. The man from slip runs across and throws but Malewar was well in.

6.6: MD Nidheesh to Danish Malewar, NOT OUT! Brilliant review from Malewar! He knew where he was standing! A yorker tailing on leg, Malewar is late to get his bat down and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW and up goes the finger but Malewar reviews instantly and the replay shows the ball goes onto miss the leg pole by a mile.

Another review, this time from the batter, Danish Malewar as he is given out LBW. This seems close as the angle was coming into the batter. Nothing on UltraEdge to begin with. Ball Tracking rolls in and shows that the ball would have missed leg stump. Excellent review. NOT OUT comes up on the screen.

6.5: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Length ball, outside off, Nair steps across and drops it past gully to third man for one.

6.4: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Tails in a full ball on middle, Nair nudges it to mid-wicket.

6.3: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, BEATEN! Lovely stuff from Nidheesh! At 130 clicks! On a nagging length and on the fourth stump line. Nair looks to defend but misses it. 

6.2: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Good length ball, outside off, Nair shoulders arms to it.

6.1: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Tad fuller and around off, Nair blocks it out.

5.6: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, At 89 clicks! Flighted on off, Malewar defends on the front foot.

5.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Goes full and outside off, Malewar pushes it to cover.

5.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Flatter delivery around off, Malewar gets inside the line of the ball and blocks.

5.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Tossed up on middle, Nair turns it to mid-wicket for a single.

5.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Jalaj Saxena is making them reach to the pitch of the delivery! Accurate length from him! Outside off, fuller and Nair leans to defend but misses.

5.1: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, A huge appeal for caught behind but turned down! Tossed up full and across the right-hander, Nair presses forward, across to defend but seems to miss it.

4.6: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Tad fuller and close to the off pole. Nair taps it late to third man for a single.

4.5: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Pitched up, outside off, Nair drives nicely but to cover.

4.4: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Skiddy length delivery outside off, Nair shoulders arms.

4.3: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, FOUR! SPLICED AWAY! On a length and angling around off. Nair prods across to defend but edges it to the left of the man at gully who dives but fails to stop. First boundary. 

4.2: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, This one comes with an angle, full and on middle and leg. Nair looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. MD Nidheesh is interested now but does not have much support from his teammates. Kerala breathing fire.

4.1: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Bowls it very full and tight on the middle pole. Nair defends it well.

3.6: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, NOT OUT! Umpire's call it is! That was close though! Flat and lands on off before it skids on and wraps Malewar on the back foot in an awkward position to defend. A huge appeal but turned down. Baby reviews. No bat on it. Ball Tracking shows it clips the top of off, umpire's call!

Reviewed! A prolonged appeal for LBW from Kerala but the umpire says no. There is a long chat but the skipper, Sachin Baby does eventually review it. The third umpire is called in and checks UltraEdge first which shows a clear gap between bat and ball. Ball Tracking rolls in and shows the wickets as 'umpire's call' and Danish Malewar is safe. NOT OUT!

3.5: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Outside off, good length. Malewar goes across to defend it.

3.4: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Nair presses forward again as he nudges this to square leg to get off the mark.

3.3: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Flatter and on middle, Nair blocks it back to Jalaj Saxena.

3.2: Jalaj Saxena to Karun Nair, Floats it full and on middle, Nair steps across and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

3.1: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Looped up, outside off, Malewar leans and plays it to backward point for a single.

2.6: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Wicket-maiden! Outside off and it swings away late. Nair offers no shot.

2.5: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, On a good length and on middle, Nair solidly blocks it out.

2.4: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Spills it full and down the leg side, Nair fails to flick it.

2.3: MD Nidheesh to Karun Nair, Shapes away again, length and outside off, Nair has nothing to do with it.

Karun Nair walks out to bat now.

2.2: MD Nidheesh to Dhruv Shorey, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Brilliant! MD Nidheesh serves an outswinger, pitched up and outside off, Shorey's eyes lit up as he goes for a wild drive but gets a thick edge to first slip, was at comfortable height but the keeper, Mohammed Azharuddeen flies across and grabs it one-handedly. Holds onto it as well. Vidarbha in trouble.

2.1: MD Nidheesh to Dhruv Shorey, Good length ball, outside off and holds its line. Shorey shoulders arms.

1.6: Jalaj Saxena to Dhruv Shorey, Goes full and on middle, Shorey nudges it to deep square leg and keeps the strike.

1.5: Jalaj Saxena to Dhruv Shorey, Tossed up on middle, Shorey blocks it back to the bowler.

1.4: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, The centurion from the first innings is off the mark. Flat and on off, this is punched to point for a single.

1.3: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, This one comes with the arm, outside off. Malewar goes back to defend but misses it.

1.2: Jalaj Saxena to Danish Malewar, Too full and around off, Malewar leans and blocks it out.

Danish Malewar is in at number 3.

1.1: Jalaj Saxena to Parth Rekhade, OUT! BOWLED! How has that gone through? Wow! Tossed up full and around off from around the wicket. Parth Rekhade puts in a huge stride forward to defend but leaves a big gap open for the ball to travel past the inside edge and it crashes the stumps. Superb start for Kerala.

Spin from the other end right away and it will be Jalaj Saxena to share the new ball with MD Nidheesh.

0.6: MD Nidheesh to Dhruv Shorey, FOUR! Ripper to end the over! Oh, there was an edge! Short of a length and on middle, nips in late and squares up Shorey in his defensive stance. It goes off the inside edge, over the stumps and past the keeper to fine leg.

0.5: MD Nidheesh to Dhruv Shorey, Serves it full and on middle, Dhruv Shorey punches it to mid off.

0.4: MD Nidheesh to Parth Rekhade, Vidarbha are underway! MD Nidheesh changes the angle and comes around the wicket, this is full and on off, Parth Rekhade knocks it to point for a single.

0.3: MD Nidheesh to Parth Rekhade, A good length delivery, comes back in very late, on middle and Parth Rekhade solidly blocks.

0.2: MD Nidheesh to Parth Rekhade, Bowls it very full and outside off, Parth Rekhade leans and taps it to point.

0.1: MD Nidheesh to Parth Rekhade, Lovely delivery to start with! An inswinger full and on middle, Parth Rekhade tucks it to mid-wicket.