RANJI TROPHY | Kerala finishes its disappointing season on a winning note

Kerala concludes a disappointing Ranji Trophy season with a decisive nine-wicket victory over Goa, led by Nidheesh's five-wicket haul.

The Goan batting unit crumbled under pressure on the final day as Kerala romped to a nine-wicket win in their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 group-stage match at the Goa Cricket Association Ground here on Sunday.

Pacer Nidheesh M.D.’s five-wicket haul was the cornerstone of Kerala’s incisive bowling performance as it bundled out Goa for just 199 in the second innings. The 34-year-old bowled with a menacing intensity throughout the day to claim his ninth First-Class five-for.

Goa managed to avoid an innings defeat only thanks to a resolute fifty from Darshan Misal and the 60-run stand he put up with Arjun Tendulkar for the ninth wicket.

Kerala polished off the 29-run target inside six overs as it wound up its disappointing domestic season on a winning note.

Goa's Kashyap Bakhale is bowled by Kerala’s Nidheesh on day-4 of their Ranji Trophy match at the Goa Cricket Association Academy Ground, in Alto Porvorim, Goa on Sunday, February 1, 2026. | Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Kerala’s route to triumph was charted by a four-wicket burst by Nidheesh and Basil N.P. early in the day. The new-ball duo bowled full and straight with a hint of seam movement to dismantle the Goan top order in a 45-minute window.