Karun Nair likes to bat on and on.
He loves it extra if the stage is grander. Like a Ranji Trophy last, as an illustration. Back in 2014-15, he had made 328 to assist Karnataka rating a large victory over Tamil Nadu.
A decade later, he has stamped his authority in one other Ranji Trophy last. His unbeaten 132 (280b, 373min, 10×4, 2×6) has just about ensured Vidarbha its third title in India’s most prestigious home event.
Riding on Karun’s classy knock, the host ended the fourth day at 249 for 4 at the VCA Stadium. An general lead of 286 runs going into Sunday’s last day.
This is Karun’s ninth hundred throughout codecs this season. It may simply have been tenth, if he hadn’t been run out for 86 in the first innings.
The fundamental purpose behind what now appears like Vidarbha’s match-winning first innings whole was his fourth-wicket stand of 215 with Danish Malewar. The two batters, who clearly love one another’s firm, annoyed Kerala on Saturday too, including 182 for the third wicket.
And Vidarbha badly wanted that partnership after the openers have been again in the dressing room inside three overs.
Jalaj Saxena, the veteran off-spinner who got here into the assault in simply the second over, had Parth Rekhade lunging ahead solely to listen to the disagreeable sound from behind, as the ball saved low and sneaked via the gate to disturb the stumps.
In the following over, Dhruv Shorey performed nicely away from physique and was caught by wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen, diving in entrance of slip. At seven for 2, Vidarbha was in hassle.
It momentarily turned 9 for 3, however Malewar, who was adjudged lbw to Jalaj, had a profitable evaluation. The 21-year-old, who had hit a glowing hundred in the first innings, and his senior accomplice quickly went about doing what they’d been doing all season: accumulating runs with minimal danger.
Malewar (73, 162b, 263min, 5×4) was finally caught at slip off Akshay Chandran. But Karun continued to bat serenely. He drove sweetly and when alternatives got here, he additionally went aerial, like he did towards Aditya Sarwate, lofting him for successive sixes.
Before that he had given an opportunity when he was on 31, however was dropped at slip by Akshay off Eden Apple Tom. Karun made Kerala pay dearly.
The scores:
Vidarbha — 1st Innings: 379.
Kerala — 1st Innings: 342.
Vidarbha — 2nd Innings: Parth Rekhade b Jalaj 1, Dhruv Shorey c Azharuddeen b Nidheesh 5, Danish Malewar c Baby b Akshay 73, Karun Nair (batting) 132, Yash Rathod lbw b Sarwate 24, Akshay Wadkar (batting) 4; Extras (b-5, lb-3, nb-2) 10; Total (for 4 wkts. in 90 overs): 249.
Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-7, 3-189, 4-238.
Kerala bowling: Nidheesh 10-2-37-1, Jalaj 32-7-76-1, Eden 10-0-38-0, Sarwate 25-8-55-1, Basil 4-1-6-0, Akshay 9-1-29-1.
Published – March 01, 2025 07:14 pm IST
