The Kerala cricket team vs Gujarat cricket team match scorecard from the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 Semi-Final became one of the most dramatic stories of the domestic cricket season. Held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, this five-day red-ball battle delivered everything—big hundreds, intense bowling sessions, a nail-biting finish, and a freak dismissal that ultimately changed the fate of the game.
Kerala and Gujarat, tremendously competitive sides in India’s domestic cricket circuit, clashed with a gap within the Ranji Trophy final on the road. Kerala had by no means reached the Ranji final in their cricketing history, whilst Gujarat, former champions, were determined to reclaim past glory.
Full Match Scorecard
Ranji Trophy 2024–25 Semi-Final
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match Result: Drawn — Kerala superior to the final on a 2-run first-innings lead
Match Dates: 17–21 February 2025
Kerala vs Gujarat Scorecard Table (Summary)
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Total Lead/Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 457 all out | 114/4 (match drawn) | Qualified for final on 2-run 1st-innings lead |
| Gujarat | 455 all out | Match unfinished | Failed to qualify |
This two-run difference—sure, just 2 runs—have become the identifying component and dispatched Kerala into their first-ever Ranji Trophy very last.
Innings-with the aid of-Innings Breakdown
Kerala 1st Innings – 457 all out
Kerala started out healthy with solid reason and top notch composure. Their batting display became built around a beautiful knock by way of Mohammed Azharuddeen, who performed one of the greatest innings of his profession.
Top Performers – Kerala 1st Innings
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Azharuddeen | 177 | — | — |
| Jalaj Saxena | 73 | — | — |
| Sachin Baby | 54 | — | — |
| Salman Nizar | 39 | — | — |
Azharuddeen’s 177 turned into a great blend of staying power, beauty, and well timed aggression. His partnership with Jalaj Saxena helped Kerala cross beyond 400, giving them a sturdy danger to push Gujarat at the return foot.
Gujarat 1st Innings – 455 all out
Gujarat’s reaction changed into similarly decided. Led by means of their dependable captain Priyank Panchal, Gujarat got here extraordinarily close to overtaking Kerala’s score—but just fell quick by way of runs, a margin that would outline the entire health.
Top Performers – Gujarat 1st Innings
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priyank Panchal | 148 | — | — |
| Jaymeet Patel | 79 | — | — |
| Aarya Desai | 58 | — | — |
| Chintan Gaja | 34 | — | — |
Despite their combat, Gujarat’s innings fell short, permitting Kerala to say a slender—however valuable—lead.
Kerala 2nd Innings – 114/4 (Match Drawn)
Kerala didn’t want to chase a win. Their task was simple: keep away from disintegration and make sure Gujarat didn’t get sufficient time or runs to pressure an end result.
The innings became steady, anchored by way of Jalaj Saxena once again, who ensured Kerala never panicked.
Match Timeline (Day-with the aid of-Day Breakdown)
Day 1: Kerala’s Solid Start
Kerala elected to bat first and confirmed an extremely good area. Azharuddeen’s fluent stroke play stood out as Gujarat bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs. By stumps, Kerala had a sturdy platform.
Day 2: Azharuddeen Dominates
The highlight of Day 2 changed into the continuation of Azharuddeen’s brilliance. His potential to punish unfastened deliveries and rotate strike pissed off Gujarat. Kerala crossed 400 and completed at 457.
Gujarat started their innings carefully and ended Day 2 with wickets in hand.
Day 3: Panchal Strikes Back
Gujarat’s captain Priyank Panchal took duty, anchoring the chase with a gritty 148.
However, Kerala bowlers held their nerve, ensuring Gujarat in no way absolutely dominated. Late wickets supposed Gujarat fell simply two runs short.
Day 4: Nerve Control
Kerala’s second innings became approximately survival. Gujarat bowlers drove difficult, but Kerala played sensibly. The health moved towards a tactical, gradual-burning end.
Day 5: The Freak Helmet Catch
The maximum unforgettable second of the fit got here whilst a Gujarat batter flicked the ball towards quick leg:
- The ball hit the fielder’s helmet grill,
- Popped in the air,
- And changed into stuck through Sachin Baby.
This freak dismissal absolutely modified the momentum. Gujarat’s chase halted, and Kerala maintained their lead as the suit headed in the direction of a draw.
Turning Points of the Match
1. Azharuddeen’s 177
A knock that set the tone for Kerala’s dominance.
2. Panchal’s 148
A valiant effort that nearly took Gujarat ahead.
3. The 2-Run Lead
The most crucial margin in Kerala’s cricket history.
4. The Helmet-Edge Catch
An extraordinary moment that cut Gujarat’s late momentum.
5. Kerala’s Calm 2nd Innings
No risks, no collapses — just steady, calculated batting.
Detailed Stats Table: Kerala vs Gujarat Key Players
Here is a complete statistical contrast of top performers from each facets:
Batting Comparison Table
| Player | Team | Runs | Innings | Best Score | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Azharuddeen | Kerala | 177 | 1 | 177 | Match-defining knock |
| Priyank Panchal | Gujarat | 148 | 1 | 148 | Kept Gujarat alive |
| Jalaj Saxena | Kerala | 73 & 37* | 2 | 73 | All-round stability |
| Jaymeet Patel | Gujarat | 79 | 1 | 79 | Lower-order resilience |
Bowling Comparison Table
| Bowler | Team | Wickets | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil Thampi | Kerala | 3 | — | — |
| Jalaj Saxena | Kerala | 3 | — | — |
| Chintan Gaja | Gujarat | 4 | — | — |
| Arzan Nagwaswalla | Gujarat | 3 | — | — |
Expert-Level Match Analysis
Kerala’s Strategy
Kerala played this fit like a group with a plan:
- Build a huge first innings score
- Put strain on Gujarat with correct bowling
- Avoid dropping wickets underneath strain in the 2nd innings
Their recognition of Ranji knockout guidelines (first-innings lead) helped them stay calm even if Gujarat moved near.
Gujarat’s Fight
Gujarat displayed super resilience:
- Panchal’s captain’s knock changed into inspirational
- Their bowlers kept fighting even after conceding 457
- The lower middle order fought tough to capture up
Their handiest setback turned into lacking the first-innings lead through two runs.
Psychological Momentum Shift
The freak helmet catch on Day 5 destroyed Gujarat’s rhythm. It turned into a rare, unlucky second but prison and decisive.
Kerala sensed victory right there.
Kerala Creates History – First Ranji Trophy Final
With this brilliant draw, Kerala entered the Ranji Trophy final for the first time. It became an ancient moment for Kerala cricket enthusiasts and a capability turning factor in the country’s cricketing legacy.
For a team that has always progressed through the years, this match has become an image in their boom, dedication, and self-notion.
Conclusion: Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Match Scorecard
The Kerala vs Gujarat Ranji semi-final became not just a cricket suit—it became a tale of grit, drama, pleasant margins, and unforgettable moments. From Azharuddeen’s superb 177 to Gujarat falling heartbreakingly short, and from the helmet trap to Kerala’s history-making qualification, each bankruptcy of this in shape merits to be relieved.
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