KER vs GUJ: Cricket lovers were dealt with to a classic struggle when Kerala (KER) faced Gujarat (GUJ) in the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 semi-very last. The clash become everything purple-ball cricket stands for — endurance, subject, and drama stretched over 4 days. Both teams matched each different blow for blow, and whilst the very last ball changed into bowled, the suit led to a draw. Yet, it was KER who superior to the final, thanks to a slim first-innings lead of just two runs — proving that within the longer format, every single run counts.
Match Overview: KER vs GUJ
The KER vs GUJ semi-final become performed at the picturesque Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, from February 17 to 21, 2025. Kerala’s captain Sachin Baby received the toss and made the ambitious selection to bat first — a choice that might outline the entire contest.
Kerala’s First Innings: Grit and Patience Define Their 457-Run Effort
Kerala’s innings was a masterclass in disciplined batting. Mohammed Azharuddeen, the crew’s wicketkeeper-batsman, performed one of the best knocks of the season — an innings full of patience, elegance, and backbone. His remarkable 177 runs became the spine of Kerala’s total.
Opening batters Rohan Kunnummal and Akshay Chandran gave a first rate begin, each scoring 30 apiece earlier than falling to Gujarat’s correct seamers. Sachin Baby, Kerala’s captain, anchored the innings with a well-crafted 69, guiding his side thru problematic spells.
Lower down, Salman Nizar contributed a vital fifty, and collectively with Azharuddeen, helped Kerala push past the four hundred-run mark. Gujarat’s bowling attack, led by Arzan Nagwaswalla and Chintan Gaja, labored hard for their wickets but couldn’t save you Kerala from achieving a commanding general of 457.
Kerala First Innings Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akshay Chandran | 30 | 71 | 5 | 0 |
| Rohan Kunnummal | 30 | 68 | 5 | 0 |
| Varun Nayanar | 10 | 55 | 1 | 0 |
| Sachin Baby (c) | 69 | 195 | 8 | 0 |
| Jalaj Saxena | 30 | 83 | 4 | 0 |
| M. Azharuddeen | 177 | 341 | 20 | 1 |
| Salman Nizar | 52 | 202 | 4 | 1 |
| Others | 18 | — | — | — |
| Total | 457 all out (187 overs) | — | — | — |
Gujarat’s Response: Panchal Leads the Charge with a Solid 148
When GUJ got here out to bat, they knew they wished a strong begin to stay within the contest. Skipper Priyank Panchal, a home veteran known for his composure, rose to the venture with a incredible 148. His innings turned into an exhibition of classic red-ball approach — leaving outdoor off, punishing free balls, and walking difficult among the wickets.
Youngster Aarya Desai delivered a stylish seventy three, displaying Gujarat’s intensity in batting. The middle order chipped in, however Kerala’s spinners, mainly Jalaj Saxena, proved tough to address. Saxena bowled marathon spells, sending down over 70 overs inside the innings, ending with figures of four wickets for 149 runs — a testomony to his endurance.
Despite the efforts of Panchal and Jaymeet Patel (79), Gujarat were bowled out for 455, just runs quick of Kerala’s overall.
Gujarat First Innings Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priyank Panchal | 148 | 237 | 18 | 1 |
| Aarya Desai | 73 | 118 | 11 | 1 |
| Manan Hingrajia | 33 | 127 | 3 | 0 |
| Urvil Patel | 25 | 43 | 3 | 0 |
| Jaymeet Patel | 79 | 177 | 2 | 0 |
| Others | 97 | — | — | — |
| Total | 455 all out (174.4 overs) | — | — | — |
The Turning Point: Kerala’s Two-Run First-Innings Lead
In a high-scoring suit like this, one may count on a draw turned into inevitable, however the first-innings lead rule in pleasant cricket changed the equation absolutely. Kerala’s -run gain, earned through pure willpower, ensured that they could qualify for the very last even though the game ended with out a end result.
This narrow lead wasn’t unintended — it was a manufactured from Azharuddeen’s patience, Saxena’s all-spherical brilliance, and Kerala’s refusal to give up easy wickets.
Kerala’s Second Innings: Playing Smart to Seal Qualification
When Kerala commenced their 2nd innings, their technique turned into clean: bat out time, keep away from fall apart, and ensure Gujarat had no sensible hazard to chase. The openers all over again laid a foundation earlier than Siddharth Desai and Manan Hingrajia picked up wickets to spark some wish for GUJ.
However, Jalaj Saxena remained rock stable, finishing unbeaten on 37, and guided his crew to 114/four while captains shook arms for a draw. Kerala had accomplished enough — their first-innings lead carried them thru.
Kerala Second Innings Highlights
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohan Kunnummal | 32 | 69 | 2 | 2 |
| Jalaj Saxena | 37* | 90 | 7 | 0 |
| Sachin Baby | 10 | 19 | 1 | 0 |
| Ahammed Imran | 14* | 57 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 114/4 (46 overs) | — | — | — |
Top Performers: Heroes of KER vs GUJ
1. Mohammed Azharuddeen (KER)
Azharuddeen’s 177 turned into no longer best a non-public milestone however additionally a team-defining innings. He performed with maturity, treated tempo and spin equally well, and never lost focus no matter long hours at the crease. His innings have become the spine of Kerala’s qualification.
2. Jalaj Saxena (KER)
The veteran all-rounder once again proved why he’s appeared as a domestic cricket legend. His four wickets for 149 runs and treasured 2d-innings batting made him Kerala’s trump card. In the KER vs GUJ fit, Saxena’s work ethic and discipline were unrivaled.
3. Priyank Panchal (GUJ)
For Gujarat, Panchal’s 148 become a captain’s innings. He confirmed tremendous temperament and led from the the front. Unfortunately, his effort simply fell brief in effect because of the shortage of 1 extra huge partnership.
4. Arzan Nagwaswalla (GUJ)
Nagwaswalla bowled tirelessly in hard situations, selecting up 3 wickets in Kerala’s first innings. His sharp swing afflicted the openers and helped GUJ live competitive.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
1. Azharuddeen’s Double-Century Stand
The lengthy partnership between Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar pissed off GUJ’s bowlers. It now not best took Kerala to safety but additionally gave them a platform to construct a competitive total.
2. Saxena’s Bowling Spell
Saxena’s seventy one-over spell showcased his implausible stamina. He bowled with control and staying power, breaking partnerships at critical instances.
3. Panchal’s Lone Battle
Panchal’s innings was heroic, but Gujarat’s decrease order couldn’t assist him. Had one extra batter stayed with him, the story of KER vs GUJ might have been specific.
4. The Final Few Runs
When Gujarat fell simply two runs short of Kerala’s overall, the Ahmedabad crowd knew that they had witnessed one of the tightest finishes in latest Ranji history.
Expert Analysis: Lessons from KER vs GUJ
Patience Wins Red-Ball Battles
Kerala’s technique showed that in 4-day cricket, time is your best friend. They didn’t rush; they absorbed stress, wore down bowlers, and accrued runs progressively.
Bowling Discipline Makes the Difference
Jalaj Saxena’s manipulate and consistent line compelled errors from Gujarat’s batters. His potential to extract turn even on a flat pitch gave Kerala a strategic benefit.
Every Run Counts
If ever there has been evidence that a single run should alternate fortunes, KER vs GUJ changed into it. Those more singles and small partnerships became out to be match-winning in the grand scheme.
Leadership Under Pressure
Both captains led with calm heads, however Sachin Baby’s tactical readability — mainly his subject placements and rotation of bowlers — helped Kerala stay a step in advance.
Match Summary Table
| Innings | Team | Total | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | Kerala | 457 all out | 187.0 | — |
| 1st Innings | Gujarat | 455 all out | 174.4 | KER lead by 2 runs |
| 2nd Innings | Kerala | 114/4 | 46.0 | Match drawn |
| Final Result | — | — | — | Kerala qualify on first-innings lead |
Post-Match Reactions
After the KER vs GUJ thriller, Kerala’s captain Sachin Baby credited his crew’s unity and hard paintings, saying,
“It wasn’t approximately large moments, it was about staying affected person and disciplined. Every player contributed in a few way, and that’s what wins you suits like these.”
On the alternative facet, Gujarat skipper Priyank Panchal praised Kerala’s combating spirit and admitted,
“We gave it our all, but that two-run margin hurts. Credit to Kerala for holding their nerve.”
What This Means for Kerala
For Kerala cricket, attaining the very last turned into a massive fulfillment. Over the last few seasons, they’ve been constructing a robust home center, blending experienced campaigners like Saxena with young expertise together with Kunnummal and Nayanar. The KER vs GUJ end result reflects a crew at the upward thrust, able to grinding out wins in difficult situations.
What Gujarat Can Learn
Gujarat have nothing to feel embarrassment about. They matched Kerala throughout four days, however inconsistency in the middle order and a few overlooked possibilities inside the discipline cost them dearly. For future tournaments, GUJ will need to awareness on batting depth and bowling endurance — two key factors Kerala displayed brilliantly.
Conclusion
The KER vs GUJ semi-final wasn’t just a cricket suit — it turned into a lesson in perseverance, endurance, and the splendor of long-format cricket. Kerala’s triumph with the aid of the narrowest of margins showcased how small moments define high-quality video games. From Azharuddeen’s marathon innings to Saxena’s tireless bowling, each attempt mattered.
FAQs on KER vs GUJ
Q.1. Who received the KER vs GUJ semi-very last?
Kerala superior to the very last after the match led to a draw, courtesy in their two-run first-innings lead.
Q.2. Who turned into the top scorer within the in shape?
Mohammed Azharuddeen of Kerala changed into the top scorer with 177 runs.
Q.3. Which bowler took the most wickets?
Jalaj Saxena picked up four wickets for Kerala and performed a key all-spherical position.
Q.4. Why did the first-innings lead depend?
In knockout suits just like the Ranji Trophy semi-final, if the sport results in a draw, the team with the higher first-innings rating qualifies for the next spherical.
Q.5. Where changed into the KER vs GUJ healthy performed?
The suit befell at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Q.6. Who changed into the participant of the suit?
Although now not officially introduced, Azharuddeen’s 177-run innings turned into broadly regarded because the standout performance.
Q.7. What turned into the final rating difference among the groups?
Kerala led with the aid of just two runs in the first innings — the decisive component in qualification.
Q.8. What’s next for Kerala after KER vs GUJ?
Kerala will play in the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 very last, aiming for his or her maiden identify.
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