Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Who is Danish Malewar, 21-year-old Vidarbha batter who hit century in final against Kerala?
Xtra Time Web Desk: 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.
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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.
Stepping up on the big stage ????
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 26, 2025
21-year-old Danish Malewar strode out to the crease at 11/2 in the 7th over of the innings & crafted an excellent ???? under pressure! ????????#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/0UPX1TZx9I
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.
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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.
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.
