Fantasy Cricket

Mohammed Azharuddeen Becomes First Kerala Batter to Score a Hundred in Ranji Trophy Semi-Final

by Prateek
February 18, 2025
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Kerala played against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy semi-final. On the second day, Kerala lost their captain, Sachin Baby, early. But Mohammed Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar played well and helped Kerala recover. They added 87 runs for the sixth wicket. By lunchtime, Kerala had scored 293 runs for the loss of five wickets. Azharuddeen was batting on 85 runs, while Salman Nizar had 28 runs.

A Tough Start for Kerala

The day started badly for Kerala. Sachin Baby got out on the second ball of the day. He scored 69 runs before getting caught by Arya Desai off Nagwaswalla’s bowling. Kerala was struggling at 206 for 5. But Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar played with patience. They helped Kerala cross 300 runs without losing more wickets. Azharuddeen completed his fifty in 106 balls and stayed on 85 runs from 160 balls. Salman Nizar scored 28 runs from 90 balls with three boundaries.

Openers Gave a Good Start

Earlier, Kerala won the toss and chose to bat. The openers, Rohan Kunnummal and Akshay Chandran, gave a solid start. They added 60 runs for the first wicket. But then, Akshay got run out. Soon, Rohan also got out, trapped LBW by Ravi Bishnoi. Both scored 30 runs each.

Varun Nayanar came next but could not stay long. He scored only 10 runs before getting caught behind off Priyajit Singh Jadeja’s bowling.

Middle Order Steadies the Innings

After losing early wickets, Jalaj Saxena and Sachin Baby built a strong partnership. They added 71 runs for the fourth wicket. Jalaj Saxena scored 30 runs before getting bowled by Arzan Nagwaswalla.

Then, Azharuddeen joined Sachin Baby. They put together 49 runs for the fifth wicket. But Sachin got out at the start of the second day. After that, Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar built a strong partnership, helping Kerala reach a good score.

Kerala’s batting has been strong in the last few matches. Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar are the last recognized batters. Their partnership is crucial for Kerala to get a big total in the semi-final.

Story First Published at www.probatsman.com on 18 February 2025