Vidarbha began their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign in emphatic fashion with an innings-and-179-run victory over Nagaland at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The defending champions dominated from start to finish, posting a massive 463 in their first innings and then dismissing Nagaland twice in just 116 overs.
After batting for one-and-a-half days, Vidarbha’s total was powered by solid contributions across the lineup. In reply, Nagaland struggled under disciplined bowling. Nachiket Bhute starred with a five-wicket haul to bowl Nagaland out for 171 in their first innings. Asked to follow on, the visitors managed only 113 as Harsh Dubey picked up four crucial wickets, ensuring Vidarbha sealed the win inside three days.
For Nagaland, Dega Nischal made 50 in the first innings but was dismissed for a first-ball duck in the second. Wicketkeeper Chetan Bist was their standout performer, scoring 52 in the first innings and 55 in the second. In the follow-on, only Bist and Yugandhar Singh (13) reached double figures.