Maharashtra cricket association stadium
Image Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Nizar's Heroic Knock Helps Kerala Break J&K Hearts To Seal Semis Spot
Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium: Kerala scripted history by securing a place in the Ranji Trophy semifinals for only the second time, after surviving a nerve-wracking final day against Jammu & Kashmir, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Wednesday. The match, which hung in balance until the last 30 minutes, ended in a draw, with Kerala advancing due to their slender one-run first-inning lead.
Kerala resumed day five at 100/2, needing to either chase 299 or bat out 90 overs to qualify. Runs were never in focus as the strategy was clear — batting time was the priority. In the first 10 overs, Kerala added just 13 runs but crucially kept their wickets intact. Akshay Chandran and Sachin Baby looked solid, negating J&K’s early burst.
Despite the tiring J&K pacers — Umar Nazir Mir, Yudhvir Singh, and Auqib Nabi — persisting with short-pitched deliveries, Kerala’s batters remained resolute. Akshay Chandran, in particular, showcased great composure, leaving deliveries and frustrating the opposition.
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