February 21, 2025 - Today, Kerala made history in Indian cricket. They reached the Ranji Trophy final for the first time ever. This exciting moment came after a thrilling semi-final match against Gujarat. The game ended in a draw, but Kerala took a small two-run lead in the first innings. This tiny margin was enough to send them to the final. Fans across the state are celebrating this big achievement.
The semi-final match started on February 17, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Kerala batted first and scored 317 runs in their first innings. Opener Rohan Kunnummal played a solid knock of 87 runs. Captain Sachin Baby added 63 runs to the total. Their efforts gave Kerala a strong start. Gujarat’s bowlers, led by Arzan Nagwaswalla, fought hard. Nagwaswalla took 4 wickets, but Kerala still posted a good score.
In reply, Gujarat came close with 315 runs. They fell just two runs short of Kerala’s total. Het Patel scored 92 runs for Gujarat, missing a century by eight runs. Priyank Panchal added 67 runs. Kerala’s bowlers worked as a team to stop Gujarat. Basil Thampi took 3 wickets, while Aditya Sarwate picked up 2. The small lead of two runs proved to be the turning point.
The second innings saw Kerala score 214 runs before declaring. Salman Nizar played an unbeaten 56, showing grit at the crease. Gujarat chased a target of 217 runs but ended at 189 for 8. The match finished as a draw on February 20, 2025. However, Kerala’s first-innings lead meant they won the ticket to the final. It was a nail-biting finish that kept fans on edge.
This victory is special for Kerala. The team has been part of the Ranji Trophy since 1957. That’s 68 years of trying to reach this stage. They came close before, reaching the semi-finals in 2018-19, but lost to Vidarbha. This time, they crossed the hurdle. Sanju Samson, a star player from Kerala, shared his joy online. He wrote, “A dream we all believed in came true.” Samson played in earlier matches this season but missed the semi-final due to national duties.
Kerala’s journey to the final was not easy. In the quarter-final, they beat Assam by just one run. Then, in the semi-final, they won by two runs. These close victories show their fighting spirit. Coach Kunal Sharma praised the team. He said, “The boys showed great heart and skill.” The players stayed calm under pressure, and it paid off.
Now, Kerala will face Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy final. The match is set to start on February 26, 2025. The venue is yet to be announced. Vidarbha has been a strong team this season. They won the title in 2018-19 and will be tough to beat. Kerala’s players are ready for the challenge. Fans hope this final will bring the trophy home.
This milestone is big for Kerala cricket. Young players in the state now have heroes to look up to. The team’s success could inspire more talent. Social media is buzzing with support. One fan posted on X, “Kerala in the final—proud moment!” Another wrote, “Two runs changed history.”
As the final nears, excitement is building. Kerala’s players are practicing hard. They want to lift the Ranji Trophy for the first time. February 26 will be a big day for the team and their fans. After 68 years, Kerala has a chance to write their name in cricket history. Win or lose, they have already made their mark.
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