Kerala is on the verge of making history by reaching its first-ever Ranji Trophy final after clinching a narrow two-run lead in the first innings against Gujarat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
When was the last time Kerala reached final in the Ranji Trophy?
Kerala reached the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in 74 years after a thrilling semifinal victory over Gujarat in Ahmedabad on Friday.
For the first time since their competition debut in the 1951–52 season, Kerala secured their place in the final as Gujarat was dismissed in a dramatic manner, falling just three runs short of the vital first-innings advantage. Gujarat’s No. 10 batter, Arzan Nagwaswalla, tried a slog-sweep, but captain Sachin Baby caught it at first slip after the ball bounced off Salman Nizar’s helmet at silly point.
How Kerala made history in Ranji Trophy?
After winning the toss, Kerala posted a formidable 457, powered by M Azharuddeen’s brilliant 177. Gujarat fought back, with Priyank Panchal’s 148 and crucial 70s from Aarya Desai and Jaymeet Patel, falling just short.
Kerala’s spinners, Aditya Sarwate and Jalaj Saxena, shared eight wickets, shifting momentum. With Gujarat two runs away from matching Kerala’s total, Arzan Nagwaswalla’s shot deflected off Salman Nizar’s helmet, allowing Sachin Baby to take a crucial catch.
Having edged Jammu & Kashmir by one run in the quarters, Kerala, in only its second Ranji Trophy semifinal, now stands on the brink of history, just one step away from its first-ever final.
