In an enthralling Ranji Trophy quarterfinal, Kerala edged past Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) by virtue of a slender yet decisive one-run first-innings lead, securing a spot in the semifinals for only the second time in their history. Played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, the match saw Kerala opting for a gritty defensive approach on the final day, ensuring that J&K were denied their first-ever semifinal appearance.
Kerala sans Sanju Samson frustrate J&K
With an improbable target of 399 to chase, Sachin Baby’s men chose survival over adventure. Resuming the final day at 100/2, Kerala’s batters chose to frustrate the Jammu & Kashmir bowlers. Akshay Chandran (48 off 183) and Baby himself (48 off 162) held firm before Salman Nizar (44 off 162) and Mohammed Azharuddeen (67* off 118) forged an unbeaten seventh-wicket partnership of 115 runs to take Kerala to 295/6 in 126 overs. Their defensive show frustrated J&K bowlers, who toiled relentlessly but couldn’t force the final breakthroughs needed for victory.
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1-run lead costs J&K glory
Jammu & Kashmir had been the surprise package of the tournament, punching above their weight to reach the quarterfinals. Their second innings total of 399/9 declared, anchored by crucial contributions from Kanhaiya Wadhawan (64) and Paras Dogra (132), had put them in a commanding position. However, their inability to dismiss Kerala on the final day proved costly.
Despite Paras Dogra’s aggressive field settings and the efforts of Yudhvir Singh (2/61), Sahil Lotra (2/34), and Abid Mushtaq (2/49), J&K couldn’t break Kerala’s defensive wall. Mohammed Azharuddeen’s counter-attacking sixes off Yudhvir and Auqib Nabi in the dying moments further solidified Kerala’s position, ensuring they advanced on the basis of their slender yet invaluable first-innings lead.
Teams in Ranji Trophy Semifinals
| Team |
|---|
| Gujarat |
| Mumbai |
| Vidarbha |
| Kerala |
Ranji Trophy Semi-Final Schedule
| Match | Date |
|---|---|
| Vidarbha vs Mumbai | Feb 17-Feb 21, Monday |
| Gujarat vs Kerala | Feb 17-Feb 21, Monday |
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