Kerala’s Steady Progress in Ahmedabad
Kerala made slow but steady progress on an attritional day of cricket in Ahmedabad, thanks to the captain Sachin Baby’s unbeaten half-century. The game unfolded at a pace that could be attributed to the team’s cautious approach, likely stemming from their recent experiences of first-innings collapses. One such notable instance was the quarter-final match against Jammu & Kashmir, where Kerala were reduced to 200 for 9 and needed an 81-run last-wicket stand to secure a crucial first-innings lead. This decisive partnership proved to be a turning point, and Kerala seemed intent on avoiding a repeat of such a nail-biting scenario.
Early Hiccups and Initial Partnership
The day began with openers Akshay Chandran and Rohan Kunnummal laying a foundation by putting together a 60-run partnership in 20.4 overs. Both batters played cautiously, with Chandran scoring 30 runs before being run out. Kunnummal, also contributing 30 runs, was dismissed lbw after playing down the wrong line to a delivery from Ravi Bishnoi. Bishnoi’s delivery beat Kunnummal’s inside edge, trapping him plumb in front. The innings then took a turn for the worse as Kerala lost three wickets for just 26 runs within a span of 45 minutes, halting their momentum.
Introducing a New Batsman
Adding to the challenges, Kerala brought in a new No. 3 batsman, Varun Nayanar, to replace Shoun Roger. Nayanar initially blunted the bowling, surviving for a better part of an hour to score 10 runs. However, he couldn’t capitalize on his early resistance and was eventually dismissed, caught behind off a delivery from seamer Priyajitsing Jadeja. Jadeja had been in excellent form, having claimed four wickets in Saurashtra’s second innings during the quarter-final, and he continued to display his prowess by breaking through Kerala’s middle order.
Post-Lunch Survival Mode
The post-lunch session was marked by survival rather than aggressive run-scoring. Jalaj Saxena and Baby formed a crucial partnership, adding 71 runs over the course of 27.5 overs. Saxena, known for his resilience, battled his way to 30 runs, often denying himself scoring opportunities even when faced with perfectly drivable deliveries. His defensive technique played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. However, his resistance came to an end when left-arm seamer Arzan Nagwaswalla found a way through his defense, bowling Saxena and breaking the partnership.
Baby’s Heroic Stand
By the time Saxena was dismissed, Sachin Baby had reached his first half-century since the resumption of the second leg of the Ranji Trophy. Baby’s innings was a masterclass in patience and technique, as he continued to grind the bowling in the company of Mohammed Azharuddeen. The pair played out the last hour and a bit without losing another wicket, ensuring that Kerala’s innings remained on track. Baby’s 69 not out was a significant contribution, demonstrating his leadership and ability to adapt to challenging conditions.
Gujarat’s Bowlers in Action
Gujarat, despite the slow progress of Kerala, maintained a disciplined bowling performance throughout the day. Ravi Bishnoi emerged as the pick of the bowlers, delivering 15 overs and claiming 1 wicket for 33 runs. His quicker pace through the air and ability to cause indecision in the batters’ footwork were key factors in his success. The rest of the bowlers, particularly the faster ones, were largely accurate but lacked the pace to trouble the batters consistently. Overall, Gujarat’s efforts were commendable, and they will not be too disappointed with their day’s work, especially considering the surface offered minimal assistance.
