Kerala Makes History in Ranji Trophy Semifinal Against Gujarat
Image credits: X Photo
Kerala has made history in the Ranji Trophy semifinal by taking a 2-run lead against Gujarat, thanks to a rule change and a dramatic dismissal, to virtually qualify for their first-ever final. The match, being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium A Ground in Ahmedabad, saw Kerala score 457 in the first innings, while Gujarat was bowled out for 455. The turning point came when Gujarat's Arzan Nagwaswalla was dismissed after the ball hit the helmet of Kerala's silly point fielder Salman Nizar and was caught by captain Sachin Baby at first slip.
This dismissal was made possible by a rule change introduced in 2017, which states that players can be caught, stumped, or run-out off the helmet worn by a close-in fielder. The rule change was made after the death of Australian batter Philip Hughes in 2014, who died after being hit on the neck by a ball while batting in the Sheffield Shield. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also made helmets mandatory for batters facing fast and medium-pace bowling, wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps, and for fielders positioned close to the batter, except slips fielders.
Kerala's batter Mohammed Azharuddeen played a crucial role in the team's success, scoring 177 to help them reach 457 in the first innings. Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate later took four wickets each as Gujarat was bowled out for 455. The Ranji Trophy is one of the most prestigious domestic cricket tournaments in India, and Kerala's victory has sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing community. The team's performance has been impressive, and they will be looking to carry this momentum into the final.
The match has been a tense and closely contested affair, with both teams giving it their all. Gujarat's Jaymeet Patel held one end up with a resolute unbeaten 74, but it was not enough to prevent Kerala from taking the lead. The scores are as follows:
- Kerala: 457
- Gujarat: 455
The Ranji Trophy semifinal has been a thrilling affair, with several twists and turns. The tournament has seen some exceptional cricket being played, and the final is expected to be a closely contested match. Kerala's victory has set the stage for an exciting finale, and cricket fans across the country will be eagerly waiting to see who will emerge as the champion.
kerala ranji gujarat trophy jalaj saxena aditya sarwate semifinal cricket
Related Tags