Akshay Wadkar's team won their third Ranji Trophy in seven years, defeating Kerala in the final on first-innings lead at the VCA Stadium on Sunday. They had started the final day with a 286-run lead and six wickets in hand. Kerala's only hope was a dramatic collapse by Vidarbha. But, the host was not in the mood to grant it. There was no miracle. Akshay Wadkar's side won their third Ranji Trophy in seven years, defeating Kerala in the final on first-innings lead at the VCA Stadium on Sunday. They had started the final day with a 286-run lead and six wickets in hand. Kerala's only respite was a miraculous collapse by Vidarbha. But, the host wasn't in the mood to grant that either. The first-time finalist did get the centurion Karun Nair (135, 295b, 400m, 10x4, 2x6) early and then two other batsmen, but Akshay Karnewar and Darshan Nalkande lingered long enough to knock Kerala out of the game. Also Read | Watch: Kane Williamson’s Gravity-Defying Catch Dismisses Jadeja in CT 2025 The two sides agreed to peace at the close of the second session, following Darshan Nalkande fifty. Vidarbha's score then stood at 375 for nine -- a total lead of 412. Earlier, Vidarbha had added 249 runs for four overnight, but their progress was hit when Karun was stumped by Aditya Sarwate in the seventh over of the day after attempting to drive the ball on the on-side and being deceived by the turn. Soon, Harsh Dubey was caught in front by a fuller quicker ball by Eden Apple Tom, whose return to the team after three years, probably, was the biggest plus for Kerala in the final. Then, in the next over, Sarwate, the hero of Vidarbha in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy final on this very ground, swept Wadkar, playing his last game. Vidarbha therefore slipped to 283 for seven. Sachin Baby's team felt that there was a chance, as the lead was 320 and there was still time to chase if they could take the remaining wickets in a hurry. But Karnewar (30) and Nalkande (51 not out) proved why Vidarbha have been such a gritty side this season, dulling the Kerala attack for over 20 overs. For Vidarbha, it was a victory well deserved. And there was a small throng to rejoice in their moment of triumph.