In a dramatic and nail-biting encounter, Kerala secured their place in the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in history, edging out Gujarat by the barest of margins in Ahmedabad. The decisive moment came in an unusual and bizarre fashion, as No.11 batter Arzan Nagwaswalla’s lofted drive ricocheted off Salman Nizar’s head before landing safely into the hands of Sachin Baby at first slip. With Gujarat needing just three more runs to take a first-innings lead, the dismissal gave Kerala a slender advantage of two runs, sealing their passage to the summit clash.
A Repeat of Semifinal Heroics
This thrilling victory followed a similar pattern to Kerala’s semifinal triumph against Jammu and Kashmir, where they advanced to the final by securing a mere one-run lead in the first innings. The back-to-back close finishes underscore the resilience and grit displayed by the team throughout the knockout stages.
Final-Day Drama in Ahmedabad
The final day of the match began with Kerala defending a slim lead, needing to take three more wickets while Gujarat required 28 runs to overturn the deficit. Jaymeet Patel, who was well-set on 79, was the first to depart, falling victim to left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate. Sarwate tempted him down the track, and wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen made no mistake in completing the stumping. The dismissal also brought an end to a crucial 79-run partnership between Patel and Siddarth Desai, which had provided Gujarat a glimmer of hope.
Five overs later, Kerala struck again as Desai was adjudged LBW off Sarwate, leaving Gujarat 12 runs short of their target with just one wicket in hand. However, Nagwaswalla and Priyajitsing Jadeja showed resilience, picking up singles and twos while inching closer to the much-needed first-innings lead.
Just when it looked like Gujarat might scrape through, the final moment of drama unfolded in the 175th over. Nagwaswalla went for an aggressive shot through mid-wicket, but the ball unexpectedly ricocheted off Salman Nizar’s head and looped into the hands of Sachin Baby, leading to jubilant celebrations from the Kerala camp. The remarkable and bizarre dismissal secured Kerala’s passage to the final on a two-run first-innings lead.
Kerala Safely Negotiates Remaining Overs
With the first-innings lead in hand, Kerala’s task was now to bat out the remaining 46 overs and ensure there were no hiccups. Despite losing early wickets and being reduced to 31 for 2, Jalaj Saxena (37*) and Rohan Kunnummal (32) played crucial knocks, steadying the innings and guiding Kerala safely to 114/4 before the match ended in a draw, confirming their historic qualification.
Match Summary and Key Performances
Brief Scores:
Kerala 457 & 114/4 (Jalaj Saxena 37*, Rohan Kunnummal 32; Manan Hingrajia 2-22, Siddarth Desai 2-45) drew with Gujarat 455 (Priyank Panchal 148, Jaymeet Patel 79; Aditya Sarwate 4-111, Jalaj Saxena 4-149). Kerala qualified for the final on the basis of a first-innings lead.
Key Performers:
- Jalaj Saxena: 4 wickets in Gujarat’s first innings and an unbeaten 37 to help Kerala survive the final session.
- Aditya Sarwate: Crucial 4-wicket haul, including key dismissals on the final day.
- Priyank Panchal: Brilliant 148 for Gujarat, giving them a strong platform.
- Jaymeet Patel: Fighting 79 under pressure.
Historic Moment for Kerala Cricket
Kerala’s qualification to the Ranji Trophy final marks a monumental achievement for the state, which has often struggled to make a mark in domestic cricket. Their run to the final has been characterized by determination, with two consecutive knockouts decided by the narrowest of margins.
For years, Kerala has produced talented cricketers but has never come this close to lifting India’s premier domestic cricket trophy. Under the leadership of an experienced squad, they have now scripted history, giving their fans a moment to cherish.
Looking Ahead: Ranji Trophy Final Awaits
With the final now on the horizon, Kerala will look to regroup and prepare for their ultimate test. Their bowling attack, led by the likes of Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate, has been instrumental in getting them this far, and their batting unit will need to step up to ensure they have a competitive chance in the final.
Regardless of the result in the final, Kerala’s performance in the 2025 Ranji Trophy season will be remembered as a testament to their resilience and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Having won two knockout matches by the slimmest of margins, they have proven their capability to fight until the last moment.
Conclusion
Kerala’s dramatic journey to their maiden Ranji Trophy final is a story of grit, determination, and perseverance. The match against Gujarat will be remembered for years, not just for the thrilling finish but also for the unconventional manner in which the last wicket fell. As Kerala now eyes their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, they carry with them the hopes of an entire state, eager to witness history being made on the cricketing field.
