Ahmedabad: February 21 will be etched in Kerala cricket history where the state team managed to enter the Ranji trophy finals for the first time ever. Kerala reached their first Ranji Trophy final in dramatic fashion, and by the barest of margins, against Gujarat in Ahmedabad.
With three runs required for the hosts to achieve a first innings lead on the final day, No.11 batter Arzan Nagwaswalla went for a lofted drive through the mid-wicket region but the ball cannoned off Salman Nizar’s head – high into the air – before it was taken by Sachin Baby at first slip.
Kerala players were seen rejoicing as the match was tied and the team entering the finals of the Ranji trophy.
Kerala will face Vidharbha next week in the Ranji Trophy finals that will happen at the Nagpur stadium
It was a resilient Kerala that entered the final by taking a dramatic two-run first-innings lead over Gujarat, 68 years after making their debut in Indian cricket’s premier domestic competition.
Going into the final day at 429/7, the home side, who won the Ranji title in 2016-17, needed just 29 runs to take a first innings lead.
However, left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate delivered under pressure, taking all three wickets to bowl Gujarat out for 455 in 174.4 overs to leave them two runs short of the mark.
Sanju Samson sent an emotional message to the Kerala team as they reached their first Ranji Trophy final on Friday, February 21.
“What a moment. Absolutely thrilled to see this happening. A dream we all believed together 10 years ago is just 1 step away boys!! It’s ours. Go get it,” said Samson on his Instagram story.
Kerala, who last made the semifinals in 2018-19 after making their Ranji debut back in 1957, will face Vidarbha in the summit clash after the latter defeated heavyweights Mumbai by 80 runs in the other semifinal.
First, it was Kerala skipper Sachin Baby, who dropped the well-set Jaymeet with Gujarat 23 runs shy of a lead.
But Jaymeet could not make it count and perished for 79 (177 balls; 2×4) in the same over when he dragged his foot outside the crease while the ball passed his outside edge for Mohammed Azharuddeen to complete an excellent stumping.
After multiple replays, the umpire finally ruled him out as his foot was found to be on the line when the bail was knocked off as Kerala camp went up in celebration.
But there was more to the contest as Gujarat left-arm quick Arzan Nagwaswalla, batting at No 10, counter-attacked and smashed Akshay Chandran for a cover boundary to take them within 14 runs of the lead.
Rohan Kunnummal provided a good hand with 32 runs as well. Kerala will be facing Vidharbha in the final. Vidharbha knocked out 2023-24 champions Mumbai in the semi-final and won the match by 80 runs to set up the clash with Kerala
Kerala drew their semi-final match against Gujarat on Friday but were able to secure a crucial 2-run lead in the first innings to ensure that they qualify for their first final in their history. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
