[WATCH]- Kerala Seize 2-Run Lead on Day 5 Of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Semifinal vs Gujarat

Kerala etched their name in history on Friday (February 21) by securing a narrow two-run first-innings lead over Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semifinal in Ahmedabad. This crucial advantage has paved the way for Kerala’s maiden appearance in a Ranji Trophy final.

After winning the toss, Kerala chose to bat first. Mohammed Azharuddeen starred with a remarkable 177 off 341 balls, while skipper Sachin Baby (69) and Salman Nizar (52) chipped in with crucial half-centuries, guiding their team to an imposing total of 457. Arzan Nagwaswalla was Gujarat’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets.

In response, Gujarat’s innings was anchored by opener Priyank Panchal, who played a commanding knock of 148 off 237 balls. He was well-supported by Aarya Desai (73) and Jaymeet Patel (79), who made valuable contributions to Gujarat’s total.

On Day 5, with Gujarat needing just two runs to surpass Kerala’s total, Arzan Nagwaswalla (10) attempted an aerial shot against spinner Aditya Sarwate. However, the ball struck Salman Nizar’s helmet at forward short leg and ricocheted into the hands of Sachin Baby at slip.

This dramatic dismissal saw Gujarat bowled out for 455, effectively securing Kerala’s place in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final. You can watch the video here:

https://x.com/bccidomestic/status/1892826150910492877?s=46

How did Kerala perform in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 group stage?

Kerala competed in the Elite Group C during the first round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. They began their campaign with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Punjab but saw their matches against Karnataka and Bengal end in draws.

Led by Sachin Baby, Kerala registered a commanding innings-and-117-run win over Uttar Pradesh before playing out further draws against Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Kerala crushed Bihar by an innings and 169 runs in their final group match, securing second place with three wins from seven games to reach the quarterfinals.

Salman Nizar led with 607 runs, while Jalaj Saxena impressed with 38 wickets. In their final group-stage match, Kerala secured a dominant innings-and-169-run triumph over Bihar, finishing second in the group with three wins from seven games to reach the quarterfinals.

Salman Nizar has been Kerala’s leading run-scorer, amassing 607 runs in eight innings, while all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has impressed with 38 wickets.

Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.