Jobaaj Stories
Kerala is close to making it to the Ranji Trophy final after a close match against Gujarat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kerala’s first-innings lead of two runs over Gujarat has put them in a strong position.
Kerala scored 457 runs in their first innings, while Gujarat managed 455 runs. A key moment came when Gujarat's Arzan Nagwaswalla tried an aggressive shot against Kerala's spinner, Aditya Sarwate. The ball hit the helmet of fielder Salman Nizar before being caught by Kerala’s captain, Sachin Baby. This led to a controversial dismissal.
1⃣ wicket in hand
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 21, 2025
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
This dismissal was allowed due to a rule change in 2017, after the tragic death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. The rule lets a player be dismissed if the ball hits a fielder’s helmet, as long as the helmet is worn by a close-in fielder.
A special moment for Kerala 👌
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 21, 2025
They have qualified for the final for the first time in the #RanjiTrophy 👏
It's Vidarbha vs Kerala in the final showdown 🔥
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/kisimA9o9w#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #GUJvKER | #SF1 pic.twitter.com/VCasFTzbB7
The rule change, along with great performances from Kerala’s batters and bowlers, put them in a good position to win. Mohammed Azharuddeen scored 177 runs, and bowlers Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate took key wickets.
With a two-run lead, Kerala is now in a strong spot to qualify for the Ranji Trophy final. They just need to hold their lead to make it to the final and compete for the title.
