Gujarat vs Kerala Live Score, Ranji Trophy semi-final Day 2 (Gujarat Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team): Hello and welcome to the live blog of Day 2’s play of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semifinal match between Gujarat and Kerala. The match is taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium A Ground in Ahmedabad and is streaming live on the Jio Hotstar app and website.
Veteran Sachin Baby steadied Kerala’s innings with a resolute unbeaten half-century, guiding his team to 206/4 against a probing Gujarat attack on the opening day.
The 36-year-old southpaw occupied the crease for two full sessions, crafting an unbeaten 69 off 193 balls (8×4) that kept their maiden final hopes alive.
He found an able ally in Mohammed Azharuddeen, who remained unbeaten on 30 off 66 balls (3×4) after surviving a last-ball LBW scare as DRS overturned the decision, denying Gujarat a breakthrough right before stumps.
Trapped LBW by Chintan Gaja, the Kerala keeper-batter was given out by the on-field umpire, sparking celebrations in Gujarat camp.
However, the batter immediately reviewed the decision, and ball-tracking confirmed it was sliding down the leg side as Kerala heaved a sigh of relief, ending the day without further damage.
Their unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 49 runs kept Kerala afloat against Gujarat’s relentless bowling attack, which deployed seven bowlers, though only Arzan Nagwaswalla (16-4-39-1), Priyajitsing Jadeja (12-0-33-1), and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (15-2-33-1) managed breakthroughs.
With Kerala looking to build on their total, the first session on day two will be crucial, and Baby’s innings will hold the key.
On the other hand, the hosts, seeking their first final appearance since their maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in 2016-17, will look to seize control early.
Playing XIs
Gujarat: Priyank Panchal, Aarya Desai, Siddharth Desai, Manan Hingrajia, Jaymeet Patel, Urvil Patel (WK), Chintan Gaja (C), Vishal Jayswal, Ravi Bishnoi, Arzan Nagwaswalla, Priyajitsing Jadeja
Kerala: Akshay Chandran, Rohan Kunnummal, Ahammed Imran, Sachin Baby (C), Jalaj Saxena, Varun Nayanar, Salman Nizar, Mohammed Azharuddeen (WK), Aditya Sarwate, MD Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil
