Onmanorama Lite App
The defending champions reached 239/6 on the opening day of their Elite Group A match at Nagpur.
Kerala, who were 191/3 in their first innings in reply to the home side's 326, and Vidarbha got one point each after a wet outfield played spoilsport for the second successive day.
Despite the match ending in a draw, Vidarbha emerged champions on the basis of a 95-run first innings lead.
Set a target of 206, Saurashtra folded up for 127 in 58.4 overs.
The victory became doubly sweet as Kerala avenged the defeat to Vidarbha in Ranji Trophy last season. Vidarbha had defeated Kerala in the semifinal of the Ranji Trophy last season
Vidarbha have a strong batting line-up that includes prolific run-getters like the evergreen Wasim Jaffer, skipper Faiz Fazal and Sanjay Ramaswamy.
Pace bowlers from both sides are expected have a field day in the semifinals to be played at the Krishnagiri Stadium in Wayanad from Thursday.
Vidarbha, despite losing three quick wickets in the final minutes of the opening day, were 171/5 in reply to Kerala's first innings total of 106 at stumps.
Results 21-28
