Related Articles
The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final between Vidarbha and Kerala at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur has been an intense battle so far. While Vidarbha is eyeing their third Ranji Trophy title, Kerala is hoping to create history by winning their maiden championship in their first-ever final appearance.
Both teams are fighting hard for outright victory, but what happens if the match ends in a draw? Who will be declared the Ranji Trophy winner in such a scenario? Let’s break it down.
Table of content
Who Will Win the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 If the Final Ends in a Draw?
The Ranji Trophy final is a five-day match, and while every team strives for an outright win, the first-innings lead plays a decisive role in determining the champion if the match does not produce a result.
As per Ranji Trophy knockout rules, if the final ends in a draw, the team that secures the first-innings lead will be declared the winner.
Current Scenario: Vidarbha Holds the Advantage
In the ongoing final, Vidarbha secured a crucial first-innings lead of 37 runs over Kerala.
- Vidarbha’s first innings: 379 (Danish Malewar – 153)
- Kerala’s first innings: 342 (Sachin Baby – 98)
This means that if the match ends in a draw, Vidarbha will be crowned the Ranji Trophy champions based on their first-innings lead.
Also Check: Harsh Dubey Breaks Record Of Taking Most Wickets In A Ranji Trophy Season
What Kerala Needs to Do to Win?
Kerala now finds itself in a difficult situation. To win the Ranji Trophy, they must:
- Bowl out Vidarbha quickly in the second innings and chase down the target.
- If that doesn’t happen, they need to win outright by dismissing Vidarbha and securing a second-innings win.
Their bowlers must strike early and restrict Vidarbha to a low total to give themselves a fighting chance at lifting the trophy.
Vidarbha’s Strategy to Clinch the Title
Vidarbha is in a comfortable position—they don’t need to force a victory. Even if they play out a draw, they will be declared the winners. However, given their dominant form throughout the tournament, they will be eager to finish the season with a convincing victory rather than relying on the first-innings lead.
Conclusion
As things stand, Vidarbha has the upper hand in the Ranji Trophy final. If the match ends in a draw, they will win the title due to their first-innings lead. However, Kerala still has a fighting chance if they can produce a remarkable comeback with the ball.
With the final moving into a decisive phase, all eyes are on how the remaining days unfold in this thrilling battle for domestic cricket supremacy!
