<p>Nagpur: Vidarbha extended their overall lead to 351 runs by lunch on the fifth and final day against Kerala, inching closer to their third Ranji Trophy here on Sunday.</p><p>They had previously won the title in 2017-18 and 2018-19.</p><p>Riding on Karun Nair's 135, Vidarbha reached 314 for 7 in their second innings, batting out the morning session of the final day without setting a target.</p>.Karun Nair thriving on encouragement from Watson, Dravid.<p>Akshay Karnewar (24) and Darshan Nalkande (8) were at the crease at the break.</p><p>Having taken a 37-run first-innings lead after dismissing first-time finalists Kerala for 342, Vidarbha are poised to win on the basis of the first-innings advantage.</p><p>Left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate (3/75 from 39 overs) struck twice in the session, removing overnight centurion Nair (135) and skipper Akshay Wadkar (25 off 108 balls, 2x4s).</p>.<p>Nair could only add three runs before being stumped. His 295-ball knock featured 10 fours and two sixes, marking his ninth century across formats in this domestic season.</p><p>Sarwate then dismissed Wadkar to further tighten Vidarbha's grip on the match.</p><p>Brief Scores: Vidarbha: 379 and 314/7 in 124 overs (Karun Nair 135, Aditya Sarwate 3/75). Kerala 342. Vidarbha lead by 351 runs. </p>
<p>Nagpur: Vidarbha extended their overall lead to 351 runs by lunch on the fifth and final day against Kerala, inching closer to their third Ranji Trophy here on Sunday.</p><p>They had previously won the title in 2017-18 and 2018-19.</p><p>Riding on Karun Nair's 135, Vidarbha reached 314 for 7 in their second innings, batting out the morning session of the final day without setting a target.</p>.Karun Nair thriving on encouragement from Watson, Dravid.<p>Akshay Karnewar (24) and Darshan Nalkande (8) were at the crease at the break.</p><p>Having taken a 37-run first-innings lead after dismissing first-time finalists Kerala for 342, Vidarbha are poised to win on the basis of the first-innings advantage.</p><p>Left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate (3/75 from 39 overs) struck twice in the session, removing overnight centurion Nair (135) and skipper Akshay Wadkar (25 off 108 balls, 2x4s).</p>.<p>Nair could only add three runs before being stumped. His 295-ball knock featured 10 fours and two sixes, marking his ninth century across formats in this domestic season.</p><p>Sarwate then dismissed Wadkar to further tighten Vidarbha's grip on the match.</p><p>Brief Scores: Vidarbha: 379 and 314/7 in 124 overs (Karun Nair 135, Aditya Sarwate 3/75). Kerala 342. Vidarbha lead by 351 runs. </p>