Ranji Trophy: Sachin Baby's unbeaten half-century steadies Kerala against Gujarat
What's the story
Kerala's cricket team, under captain Sachin Baby, ended Day 1 of the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy semi-final clash at 206 for 4 in Ahmedabad. This cautious approach could have been due to recent first-innings collapses, especially in their quarter-final match against Jammu & Kashmir. In that game, they were reduced to 200 for 9 and needed a last-wicket stand of 81 to clinch the first-innings lead which ultimately proved decisive. Here are further details.
Team adjustments
Early setbacks and strategic changes for Kerala
Kerala's openers Akshay Chandran and Rohan Kunnummal stitched a 60-run partnership in 20.4 overs, before the team lost three wickets for just 26 runs in 45 minutes. Both openers were dismissed at individual scores of 30, with Chandran getting run out and Kunnummal falling prey to Ravi Bishnoi's delivery. In light of early setbacks, Kerala brought Varun Nayanar as their new No. 3 batsman, replacing Shoun Roger.
Game progression
Nayanar's dismissal and post-lunch session
Despite having survived the bowling attack for more than an hour, Nayanar fell after scoring a mere 10 runs. He was caught behind off seamer Priyajitsing Jadeja's delivery. The post-lunch session saw a change in approach from run-scoring to survival as Jalaj Saxena and Baby added 71 runs for the 6th wicket in 27.5 overs, before Arzan Nagwaswalla broke through to dismiss Saxena at 30.
Match highlights
Baby's half-century and Gujarat's bowling performance
Having scored his first half-century since the Ranji Trophy's resumption for the second leg, Baby continued to hold Gujarat's attack at bay with Mohammed Azharuddeen. Baby is unbeaten on 69 runs. The duo saw the final hour without any further loss. Despite a pitch that offered little to both pacers and spinners, Gujarat's effort was commendable with Bishnoi being their most effective bowler, taking 1 wicket for 33 runs in 15 overs.
Information
28th fifty for Baby in FC cricket
Baby smashed his 16th First-Class fifty, as per ESPNcricinfo. Playing his 99th FC match, he owns 14 tons and 28 fifties currently. He will look to convert his 28th fifty into a century. He has scored 5,639 runs.