Picture Credit: X
On Friday, February 21, Kerala scripted history as they cruised past Gujarat in their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semi-final to make through their first-ever final of the prestigious domestic tournament, the Ranji Trophy. Although, Kerala advanced to the final after registering victory by barest of margins, considering their two-run first innings lead.
With three runs required from Gujarat to pull off a win, their number 11th batter Arzan Nagwaswalla went for a lofted drive, but the ball cannoned off Salman Nizar’s head before Sachin Baby caught it in first slip, thus leaving them short of the target. The win for the Kerala side was similar to how they reached the semi-final after a one-run lead against Jammu and Kashmir.
What a moment: Sanju Samson reacts after Kerala progress through Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final
Kerala wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson also got emotional on his side’s win and expressed his excitement. "What a moment. Absolutely thrilled to see this happening. A dream we all believed together 10 years ago is just 1 step away boys!! It's ours. Go get it," Samson wrote on his Instagram story.
It is to be noted that Sanju Samson played initial matches for Kerala in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season before going for India commitments. Thereafter, he continued to miss playing for his domestic side due to an injury to his finger, which he sustained during the fifth T20I against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Speaking of Kerala, they will be making their first-ever final appearance in the 68-year-long history of the tournament. The Sachin Baby-led side will take on Gujarat in the summit clash after they defeated Mumbai by 80 runs. The final is set to be played from February 26 onward, but the venue is still unknown.
