Ranji Trophy: Nizar's Stellar Performance Propels Kerala to Semifinals

Pune, Feb 12 (NationPress) Kerala made history by achieving a spot in the Ranji Trophy semifinals for the second time, overcoming a thrilling final day against Jammu & Kashmir at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday. The match remained in suspense until the last 30 minutes, concluding in a draw, with Kerala moving forward due to their narrow one-run first-innings advantage.

Starting day five at 100/2, Kerala had to either chase down 299 runs or survive 90 overs to qualify. The focus was not on scoring runs, but rather on batting time. In the opening 10 overs, Kerala managed just 13 runs while importantly preserving their wickets. Akshay Chandran and Sachin Baby appeared solid, countering J&K’s early aggression.

Despite the relentless effort from J&K pacers — Umar Nazir Mir, Yudhvir Singh, and Auqib Nabi — who attacked with short-pitched deliveries, Kerala’s batsmen stood firm. Akshay Chandran, in particular, exhibited remarkable poise, leaving balls and frustrating the opposition.

After nearly 44 overs of resistance, J&K finally broke through. Chandran, who battled valiantly for his 48 runs off 183 balls, was given out at short leg after a successful review. Kerala crawled to lunch at 146/3, having added only 46 runs in 31 overs but losing a critical wicket.

Post-lunch, J&K intensified their attack. Sahil Lotra sent Sachin Baby back for 48 with a rising delivery that was caught by wicketkeeper Wadhwan. In the very next over, Jalaj Saxena, one of Kerala’s most seasoned players, fell to a drive off Abid Mushtaq, edging to slips. Suddenly, Kerala found themselves at six down, with their safety hanging by a thread.

With more than a session to bat, Salman Nizar once again rose to the occasion. After his crucial 112 in the first innings, he now needed to steer Kerala through the final stretch. Partnering with Mohammed Azharuddeen, the duo displayed immense patience, defending against the new ball and wearing down the J&K bowlers.

The seventh-wicket pair batted for over 42.4 overs, contributing 70 invaluable runs, which also consumed vital time. J&K’s urgency grew, but neither batter faltered. Azharuddeen, who had faced a challenging season, came through when it was most crucial, registering his third fifty of the tournament.

With just 30 minutes left, Kerala had nearly achieved the improbable. Nizar stood unbeaten on 44 off 162 balls, while Azharuddeen was solid at 67 off 118, successfully resisting J&K’s final push. When the umpires called for stumps, Kerala secured their semi-final position, leaving J&K devastated.

Brief scores:

Jammu & Kashmir 280 & 399/9 decl lost to Kerala 281 & 295/6 in 126 overs (Mohammed Azharuddeen 67 not out, Akshay Chandran 48) match drawn. Kerala advanced on first innings lead.