Vidarbha completed a fairy-tale season in fine style by lifting the Ranji Trophy after beating Delhi by nine wickets in the final of India’s premier domestic tournament in Indore on Monday.
Chasing a target of 29 in the second innings, Vidarbha completed the task with just the loss of skipper Faiz Fazal’s wicket.
Opting to field, Vidarbha bowled out Delhi for 295 in the first innings with Rajneesh Gurbani picking up six wickets. In reply, Vidarbha notched up a mammoth 547 all out, as Akshay Wadkar struck his maiden century in first-class cricket.
In their second innings, Delhi were all out for 280 with Shorey scoring another half-century a 142-ball 62 while Nitish Rana struck 64.
Fittingly, the veteran of the team, Wasim Jaffer brought up the winning runs with three stylish pull shots to the boundary and won his ninth Ranji Trophy title, playing in his ninth final.
Not boasting any stars in their side, Vidarbha, with coach Chandrakanth Pandit at the helm and a good mix of youngsters and experienced players, scripted one of the most incredible Ranji Trophy triumphs.
Here are the reactions to a famous win:
First day of the year and what a terrific image this is. Vidarbha’s players celebrating their maiden #RanjiTrophy title
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 1, 2018
It’s only fair that the best side in this year’s #RanjiTrophy also has the trophy to show for their consistent efforts. Well done, Vidarbha 😊🙌🏏 Savour this win... #DELvVID
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 1, 2018
Rajneesh Gurbani. Whataguy. 12 for 162 in the semifinal, 8 for 151 in the final, against two of the best teams in the competition.
— Karthik Krishnaswamy (@the_kk) January 1, 2018
Congratulations #Vidarbha on winning their maiden #RanjiTrophy , always thought they were a great bunch of lads,waiting to see some of them make higher honors #Ranjitrophy2017
— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) January 1, 2018
Vidarbha create history by winning their first ever Ranji Trophy title.
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) January 1, 2018
Wasim Jaffer - who was playing his 9th Ranji Trophy final - hit the winning runs.
Kudos to Fazal, Gurbani, Wakhere, Wadekar, Sarwate, Ramaswami, Wankhede
Chandrakant Pandit and Subroto Banerjee
Vidarbha becomes the 18th team to win the #RanjiTrophy since the inaugural tournament in 1934/35.
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 1, 2018
The Ranji Trophy has a never-before champion this year. Well played Vidarbha!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 1, 2018
Brilliant win for #Vidarbha in the #RanjiTrophy2017. Great to see them play as a team. Congrats!
— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) January 1, 2018
sweet victory. congrats #vidarbha for beating the mighty 7-time Ranji Champion #Delhi. is 2018 the year of the underdog? :) https://t.co/iRxhxUceK1
— Ajit Ranade (@ajit_ranade) January 1, 2018
What a win this has been for a team which doesn't boast of players playing for the national side! Fighting back has been Vidarbha's theme in this Ranji Trophy triumph. Not a single bloke would have backed this team to win the title at the start of the season. #RanjiTrophyFinal
— Wasim Sheikh (@iamwasimsheikh) January 1, 2018
Congratulations to each and every member of the Vidarbha Ranji Team on winning the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 1, 2018
Vidarbha live the dream. Win the Ranji Trophy for the first time defeating Delhi in the final.
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) January 1, 2018
Heartiest Congratulations to Vidharba cricket team on winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title. Its been an incredible journey for the first time champions. pic.twitter.com/6Tocxomfm6
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 1, 2018
Winning the Ranji trophy title requires year around effort and team spirit. Winning your maiden title requires all that and even more. Congratulations Vidarbha. #RanjiTrophy #ranjitrophyfinal @BCCIdomestic @BCCI
— R P Singh (@RpSingh99) January 1, 2018
Vidarbha, and last season Gujarat, are examples for smaller teams to follow in their pursuit to win #RanjiTrophy. There is no excuse when BCCI doles out crores.
— Sidhanta Patnaik (@sidhpat) January 1, 2018
Well done Vidarbha! First Ranji title!
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 1, 2018
Got some close friends who are invested in their cricket. So especially happy they won. 👏👏👏👍#RanjiTrophy2017 #Vidarbha
Let's remember what a brave decision it was to field first, on a wicket that wasn't a green top, at a venue known for runs. Could easily have backfired. #RanjiTrophyFinal
— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) January 1, 2018
Congrats Vidarbha who won their maiden Ranji trophy title and made history...
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) January 1, 2018