Kerala Create History By Qualifying For The Ranji Trophy Final With A 2-Run Lead

Kerala created history by advancing to their first Ranji Trophy final after establishing a two-run lead in the first innings against Gujarat at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. In a tense and closely fought match, Kerala held their composure to defeat Gujarat and go to the Ranji final.

Kerala elected to bat first after winning the toss and scored 457 runs. M Azharuddeen scored an impressive 177 runs. Gujarat came back, with Priyank Panchal scoring 148 runs. Aarya Desai and Jaymeet Patel made significant contributions in the 1970s. However, Gujarat was slightly short of Kerala's total.

Gujarat started Day 5 in a great position with 429/7, needing only 28 runs to take the first-inning lead. Overnight batsman Jaymeet Patel, who had already struck a half-century, was at the crease alongside Sidharth Desai.

Kerala make it into the Ranji Trophy final for the first time

However, Kerala turned the game around by removing the final three Gujarat batsmen for just 26 runs. In the Ranji Trophy, a first-innings lead is considered a win if the match ends in a tie. This regulation was critical to Kerala's success in reaching the final.

The squad led by Sachin Baby defeated Jammu and Kashmir in the quarterfinals after taking a stunning one-run lead in the first inning. The match finished in a draw, but that advantage was enough to advance Kerala to the semifinals, which is only their second appearance.

Mohammad Azharudden among the heroes

Kerala struck early on Day 5 when Azharuddeen stumped Jaymeet Patel off Aditya Sarwate's bowling. Azharuddeen, who had previously shined with the bat, delivered a superbly timed removal. Despite the breakthrough, Gujarat remained in contention, needing another 22 runs to take the lead.

HISTORY! ONE RUN. It is that that one run again! For the first time in 74 years and 352 games, Kerala qualify for the #RanjiTrophy final after securing a nerve-racking first-innings lead over Gujarat in Ahmedabad. Absolute box-office finish. pic.twitter.com/CwQio7u3iJ

— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) February 21, 2025

Bizarre dismissal of Arzan Nagwaswalla off Salman Nizar’s helmet puts Kerala into Ranji Final

Sarwate produced once more for his team. The bowler had previously trapped Siddharth Desai's leg. Initially, the request was for a catch at short leg, but replays showed a clear LBW. The Kerala players exploded in excitement, realizing that they were on the verge of a historic win.

Gujarat anticipated Priyajitsing Jadeja and Arzan Nagwaswalla would combine for 10 more runs. However, their resistance was cut short in a dramatic fashion when Nagwaswalla's strong pull shot deflected off Salman Nizar's helmet at short leg and was caught in the slips by Sachin Baby.

See the dismissal:

1⃣ wicket in hand
2⃣ runs to equal scores
3⃣ runs to secure a crucial First-Innings Lead

Joy. Despair. Emotions. Absolute Drama! 😮

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/kisimA9o9w#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #GUJvKER | #SF1 pic.twitter.com/LgTkVfRH7q

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 21, 2025

This gave Kerala a lead of just 2 runs in the first innings and it was enough for the team to make it into the final of the Trophy for the first time. A draw would assure their maiden final appearance, while Gujarat had no alternative but to go for a win to secure their third final berth.

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