Vidarbha has become the new champion of Ranji Trophy’s 90th edition by defeating Kerala. Batting first, Vidarbha put up a consistent score of 379 runs, establishing a good platform in the title match. In reply, Kerala could score 342 runs, short by a mere margin of Vidarbha’s first-innings score. Having a narrow yet crucial lead to their credit, Vidarbha took charge of the game.
In their second innings, Vidarbha extended their batting superiority, scoring 375/9 before the match was over. Kerala was not provided with a second opportunity to bat, hence the first-innings lead was used to conclude the game.
With no direct result in the end, Vidarbha were adjudged champions on the basis of their first-innings lead, overtaking Kerala in one of the closest Ranji Trophy finishes ever. The win brings Vidarbha a third Ranji Trophy title to add to their increasing dominance in domestic cricket.
