Danish Malewar smashed his second Ranji Trophy century in the final against Kerala on Wednesday. (PTI)Vidarbha batter Danish Malewar set up the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final on Wednesday, smashing a 168-ball century on the opening day after his side were put into bat by Kerala at the VCA Stadium, Jamtha in Nagpur.
The stylish right-hander helped Vidarbha overcome a massive scare on a greenish pitch that aided the seamers first up in the first session. Tweaking the batting order slightly, Akshay Wadkar’s men sent lower-order bats Parth Rekhade and Darshan Nalkande up the order to see off the new ball. The plan backfired as Kerala pacers struck thrice within 12 overs, leaving the hosts 24 for three.
Walking in at number four, Malewar and No. 5 Karun Nair then forged a crucial stand as the pair led Vidarbha to lunch. Carrying on their 100-plus partnership after the break, Malewar coasted to his second century of the ongoing season, his maiden campaign for last year’s runner-ups. After moving up to 99 with a six off left-arm spinner Aditya Sarvate, Malewar brought up the milestone with a four off the same bowler through mid-wicket.
💯 for Danish Malewar 👏
Brings it up in style with a 6⃣ & a 4⃣👌
He's soaked in the pressure & produced a solid knock 💪#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/Wp0mp33SCO
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2025
The youngster made his First-Class debut in the first half of the Ranji season against Andhra in Nagpur and immediately impressed with a second-innings 61 batting at number three. He followed up with scores of 56, 42 and 59 in his next three innings before recording his maiden First Class hundred (115) against Gujarat at home in Nagpur.
Yet to make his debut in the shorter formats, the 21-year-old Malewar was in his element ever since the Ranji knockout stages began earlier this month. After scoring 75 and a duck against Tamil Nadu in the quarterfinal, Malewar offered valuable contributions in the semi-final against Mumbai (79 and 29) before finding his zone yet again versus Kerala in the final.
Danish Malewar & Karun Nair have played some cracking strokes on their way to stitching a 100-run stand 💪#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/Da5yqnHNdQ
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2025
Malewar’s father Vishnu, a cricket fan, had decided when he got married that if he had a son, he would make him a cricketer. But being from a lower-middle-class background, Vishnu knew it would be tough.
“My father always wanted me to be a cricketer and I got into an academy when I was seven,. He faced a lot of difficulties but ensured that my cricketing needs were taken care of. There were people who used to give me bats, pads and gloves when I made runs during my junior days. Money only started coming in post my under- 19 days,” Malewar told during the semis.
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