For the first time in history, the Kerala cricket team has secured a place in the Ranji Trophy final. Gujarat fought hard until the last moment but ultimately fell short. Kerala’s two-run lead in the first innings proved to be the deciding factor in their historic achievement.
As the match progressed into the fourth day, it became clear that the first-innings lead would determine the finalist. Kerala had posted a total of 457 runs in their first innings, while Gujarat was bowled out for 455 runs. Gujarat fought till the very last wicket but couldn’t surpass Kerala’s total. To qualify for the final, Gujarat needed to bowl Kerala out in the second innings and complete their own chase within the day—an impossible task.
Spinners Aditya Sarwate and Jalaj Saxena played a crucial role in securing Kerala’s dream victory at Narendra Modi Stadium. The dramatic final wicket saw Gujarat’s Arzan Nagwaswalla’s shot hit fielder Salman Nizar’s helmet, bounce up, and land in the hands of slip fielder and Kerala captain Sachin Baby. Kerala will face the winner of the Mumbai vs. Vidarbha match in the final.
