Kerala create history with Ranji Trophy final berth for first time

Dubai: Kerala created history by booking their first-ever final in the Ranji Trophy on Friday. In a high-voltage semi-final in Ahmedabad, Kerala took a narrow two-run lead over the hosts to advance to the final for the first time. Spinners Aditya Sarwate and Jalaj Saxena claimed eight wickets, with four each, to dismiss Gujarat for 455 on Day Five of India’s premier domestic competition.

Kerala will meet Vidarbha, who defeated Mumbai in the other semi-finals. Chasing a target of 406, Mumbai were shot out to 325 on the final day. It was an uphill task for Mumbai after conceding a 113-run lead to Vidarbha.

Gujarat crumbles on final day

With just two sessions to bat on the final day, Kerala batters snuffed out Gujarat's ambitions with resolute resitance by scoring 114 for four when the match called off early. The drawn result is enough for Kerala to advance on the back of their two-run lead in the high-scoring contest. Kerala had posted a mammoth 457, led by Mohammed Azharuddeen’s unbeaten 177.

The 29-year-old became the first Kerala batter to score a century in a semi-final and only his second first-class hundred. Azharuddeen had entered the field when Kerala were struggling at 157 for four and built steady partnerships with captain Sachin Baby and Salman Nizar.

Bishnoi concussion substitute stirs controversy

Kerala reached their second Ranji Trophy semi-final after a dramatic one-run victory over Jammu & Kashmir. Day Four witnessed plenty of drama as Kerala objected to Gujarat replacing spinner Ravi Bishnoi with medium-pacer Hemang Patel as a concussion substitute, sparking debates over the interpretation of the ‘like-for-like’ rule. Bishnoi, who had dismissed Kerala opener Rohan Kunnummal earlier, was struck in the face while attempting to stop a ball at point. He was immediately taken off the field for medical attention and did not return to play.

However, with no other realistic options available, Gujarat’s decision was upheld. Patel played a crucial role, scoring a composed 27 off 41 balls to help Gujarat stay in the fight for a first-innings lead.

Sarwate spins Kerala into history

The hosts began the final day at 429 for seven, needing 29 runs to overtake Kerala’s total. However, left-arm spinner Sarwate removed Jaymeet Patel, stumped by Azharuddeen for 79, and claimed two more wickets to lead his team to history in India’s oldest domestic tournament.