Kerala make historical past, edge Gujarat to reach first-ever Ranji Trophy final | Cricket News

Kerala cricket workforce (X Photo)

NEW DELHI: Kerala scripted historical past on Friday by qualifying for his or her maiden Ranji Trophy final, edging previous Gujarat on the premise of a dramatic two-run first-innings lead in a tense semifinal in Ahmedabad.
Opting to bat first, Kerala posted an imposing 457, powered by an impressive 177 from M Azharuddeen. Gujarat fought laborious in response, led by Priyank Panchal’s excellent 148 and essential 70s from Aarya Desai and Jaymeet Patel. However, Kerala’s spin duo of Aditya Sarwate and Jalaj Saxena made the distinction, sharing eight wickets to prohibit Gujarat to 455 — simply two runs wanting Kerala’s complete.
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The defining second got here when Gujarat wanted simply two extra runs to match Kerala’s rating. Arzan Nagwaswalla tried to flick Sarwate in the direction of the leg aspect, however the ball struck short-leg fielder Salman Nizar’s helmet and ricocheted into the fingers of Sachin Baby at slip, sealing Gujarat’s destiny. Nizar was stretchered off as a precaution however was later declared steady.

At 114/4 of their second innings, Kerala and Gujarat agreed to a draw, confirming Kerala’s historic final berth. They will now face Vidarbha, who surprised Mumbai by 80 runs in Nagpur.
This outstanding achievement marks solely Kerala’s second-ever Ranji Trophy semifinal look. Having edged previous Jammu & Kashmir by only one run within the quarterfinals, Kerala now carry the goals of a complete state as they put together for the largest match of their home cricket historical past.