The first day of the second semi-final of the Ranji Trophy being played between Kerala and Gujarat in Ahmedabad was very slow-paced and exciting. By the end of the day, Kerala captain Sachin Baby 69* runs led the team. Gujarat bowlers bowled very hard, due to which Kerala team scored 209/4 runs in 90 overs.
Kerala won the toss and decided to bat first. Akshay Chandran and Rohan Kunnummal, who came to open, added 60 runs playing with restraint. Both played carefully and hit fours on bad balls. But this partnership did not last long. Akshay Chandran was unfortunately run out. After this, Rohan Kunnummal also could not last long and was out LBW on an excellent ball from Ravi Bishnoi. Gujarat felt some relief from this wicket.
From 60/0, Kerala’s score soon became 86/3 with Varun Nayanar also out. He was dismissed by Priyajitsingh Jadeja. Gujarat bowlers maintained pressure on Kerala batsmen and slowed down the run rate.
In a difficult situation, Kerala captain Sachin Baby came into the field. Playing in a restrained manner, he made a partnership of 71 runs with Jalaj Saxena. Both of them batted patiently and faced the Gujarat bowlers bravely. Jalaj Saxena also played some good shots, but was bowled by Arjan Nagwaswala. Gujarat got some relief from this wicket.
After Saxena’s dismissal, Mohammad Azharuddin came to the crease. He formed another partnership with Sachin Baby. Together they added 50 runs and took the team beyond 200. Azharuddin played cautiously in the beginning, but later hit some good shots. Sachin Baby showed discipline and patience throughout the day. His cover drives and straight drives looked very beautiful.
Gujarat bowlers bowled accurately throughout the day. Ravi Bishnoi, Priyajitsinh Jadeja and Arjan Nagwaswala maintained complete control over their line and length. Bishnoi took the important wicket of Rohan Kunnummal and slowed down the run rate. Arjan Nagwaswala gave relief to the team by dismissing Jalaj Saxena. Priyajitsingh Jadeja demonstrated his accurate bowling by taking the wicket of Varun Nayanar.
The Ahmedabad pitch looked slow and favorable for spinners. The fast bowlers got some help in the beginning, but till the end of the day there was not much change in the pitch. The spinners definitely got turn and bounce, due to which the batsmen had to play cautiously.
At the end of the first day’s play, Kerala scored 209/4. Sachin Baby and Mohammad Azharuddin were unbeaten at the crease. In the second day’s play, Kerala will try to score beyond 300 and put pressure on Gujarat. At the same time, Gujarat team will try to stop Kerala from scoring big by taking wickets as soon as possible.
The first day’s play was balanced. Sachin Baby’s innings kept Kerala in the contest. Gujarat bowlers tried their best, but Baby and Azharuddin foiled their efforts. The game on the second day will be very important, because it will decide which way the match will go.