Kerala are set for a historic Ranji Trophy final appearance after a two-run lead over Gujarat on the final day of their semi-final fixture in Ahmedabad. This will be their maiden appearance in a Ranji Trophy final, 68 years after making their debut in Indian cricket's premier first-class competition. While the home team headed into the final day at 429/7, needing only 29 runs for a first innings lead, left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate delivered under pressure, taking all three wickets to bowl out Gujarat for 455 in 174.4 overs, leaving them two runs shy of the Kerala's tally. This was only the second semi-final for the Sachin Baby-led team who were left frustrated by a 72-run eighth wicket stand between Jaymeet Patel (74 overnight) and Siddharth Desai (24 overnight). Needing to defend just 28 runs with the opposition having 3 wickets in hand but they managed to dismiss the opposition and even though the match is headed for a draw, as per Ranji Trophy rules, the first-innings lead would mean Kerala will secure a place in the final. Kerala to meet Mumbai or Vidarbha in the final Meanwhile, Kerala will meet Mumbai or Vidarbha in the final with Vidarbha likely to enter the summit clash. Mumbai find themselves reeling at 180/6 in their pursuit of 406 against Vidarbha who already boast of a first innings lead.

Dramatic scenes enroute to Kerala's qualification While it was Sarwate who managed to take the remaining Gujarat wickets for Kerala it wasn't without its share of drama. First there was a dropped catch of Jaymeet from Kerala skipper Sachin. However, he departed in the same over. Then there was DRS in play. While Siddharth Desai reviewed a caught out decision, replays confirmed that there was no edge but the ball would have gone onto hit the stumps and the batter had to walk back anyways, dismissed LBW. Arzan Nagwaswalla was the last man dismissed who too got out in a bizarre manner with his shot ricocheting off the fielder at short leg's helmet before lobbing to Baby in the slip cordon.Original Article