By: Aanya
On Friday, Kerala sealed their maiden Ranji Trophy final by taking a dramatic two-run first-innings lead over Gujarat. This feat for Kerala comes after almost 7-decades; 68 years after making their debut in Indian cricket's premier domestic competition.
Going into the final day at 429/7, Gujarat that won the Ranji title in 2016-17, needed just 29 runs to take a first innings lead. However, left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate delivered under pressure, taking all three wickets to bowl Gujarat out for 455 in 174.4 overs to leave them two runs short of the mark.
Making only their second semifinal appearance, the visitors had been left frustrated by a dogged 72-run eighth-wicket stand betweem Jaymeet Patel and Siddharth Desai . Kerala started the day needing three wickets with just 28 runs to defend. The match is headed for a draw and as per Ranji Trophy rules, Kerala would advance due to the first innings lead that becomes decisive in stalemates.
With Mumbai reeling at 180/6 at lunch on the final day in their improbable chase of 406 against Vidarbha, who have a handy first innings lead; Kerala, that last made the semifinals in 2018-19, will in all probability face Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy final.