Fri Feb 21 10:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Stun Gujarat, Reach Ranji Trophy Final in Thriller
**Ahmedabad:** Kerala have created history, reaching their first ever Ranji Trophy final after a dramatic and nail-biting finish against Gujarat in Ahmedabad. A bizarre dismissal and a stunning final-day fightback secured a thrilling two-run first innings lead, enough to propel them into the final.
The match hinged on the final day’s play. With Gujarat needing just three runs to take a first-innings lead, number 11 batsman Arzan Nagwaswalla attempted a lofted drive. However, the ball struck Salman Nizar’s head before being caught by Sachin Baby at first slip, gifting Kerala a crucial wicket and a two-run advantage. This was remarkably similar to their semi-final victory over Jammu and Kashmir, also won by a single run lead in the first innings.
Earlier, Kerala had seized the initiative, dismissing Gujarat’s well-set Jaymeet Patel (79) and Siddarth Desai, leaving the hosts with a challenging task. Left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate was the architect of this success, claiming two key wickets and putting the pressure firmly on Gujarat. Despite a late fightback by Nagwaswalla and Priyajitsing Jadeja, Kerala eventually bowled out Gujarat.
Facing a daunting task of batting out 46 overs to secure the win, Kerala overcame an early wobble (31/2) to successfully defend their slim lead. Jalaj Saxena (37*) and Rohan Kunnummal (32) played crucial roles in guiding their team to safety.
The match ended in a draw, but Kerala’s two-run first innings lead proved enough to secure their place in the Ranji Trophy final.
**Brief Scores:** Kerala 457 & 114/4 drew with Gujarat 455 (Priyank Panchal 148, Jaymeet Patel 79; Aditya Sarwate 4-111, Jalaj Saxena 4-149). Kerala won on first innings lead.
First Piper 