Ranji Trophy: Panchal’s Remarkable Century Places Gujarat in a Strong Position Against Kerala

Ahmedabad, Feb 19 (NationPress) Priyank Panchal delivered a stunning unbeaten 117 from 200 balls, spearheading Gujarat's formidable response to Kerala's hefty first-innings score of 457. At Day 3's stumps, with a score of 222 for 1, Gujarat trails by only 235 runs, with the seasoned opener solidly anchoring their pursuit. Panchal's innings was the highlight of Gujarat's steadfast batting performance, maintaining their dominance as they head into a pivotal Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy semifinal.

The openers for Gujarat commenced their innings with a well-defined strategy—capitalize on scoring opportunities while the pitch remained favorable. Kerala, seeking early breakthroughs, started with off-spinner Jalaj Saxena, setting an aggressive field with a silly point and leg slip, anticipating spin. However, the rollers used before play had settled the surface, diminishing much of the assistance the spinners hoped for.

Panchal and Aarya Desai formed a solid 131-run opening partnership, playing elegant drives and cleverly accumulating runs—especially through the open third-man area.

Aarya, poised and confident, showcased his skills against Kerala’s seasoned spinners, reaching his half-century off 82 balls. However, his innings ended when Basil N.P. angled one across, leading to an inside edge onto the stumps. Dismissed for 57, Aarya's performance set the foundation Gujarat required.

Even after losing his partner, Panchal maintained his momentum, skillfully cutting anything outside off-stump. A moment of fortune came when he survived an outside edge at 78, as the ball narrowly evaded the wicketkeeper and slip.

Yet, there was no halting him; he lofted Aditya Sarwate over the boundary to achieve his 29th First-Class century, followed by a jubilant roar, marking an innings of resilience, patience, and quality. His teammates applauded, recognizing their captain’s invaluable effort.

With Manan Hingrajia contributing 30 off 108*, Gujarat navigated the challenging final phase without further loss. Both batters faced close calls, with edges narrowly missing the slip cordon, ensuring only one wicket fell throughout the day—a testament to their control over the game.

Earlier in the day, Kerala's ambitions of pushing their total past 500 faced an immediate setback as Chintan Gaja struck in the fourth over, clean bowling Aditya Sarwate to achieve his 200th First-Class wicket.

With just two pacers left, Mohammed Azharuddeen took the lead, striving to maximize every scoring opportunity. Gujarat responded wisely, placing all fielders on the boundary for the first four deliveries and tightening the field for the last two. This tactic worked instantly—MD Nidheesh was run out while trying to retain the strike for the next over.

Azharuddeen's valiant 177—the highest score by a wicketkeeper this season—went in vain as Kerala succumbed for 457, leaving him stranded at the non-striker’s end when Gaja took the final wicket.

Brief scores: Kerala 457 all out in 187 overs (Mohammed Azharuddeen 177 not out, Aditya Sarwate 11; Arzan Nagwaswalla 3-81, Chintan Gaja 2-75) lead Gujarat 222/1 in 71 overs (Priyank Panchal 117 not out, Aarya Desai 73) by 235 runs.

–IANS

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