The scorecard of the Kerala cricket team vs Gujarat cricket team match in the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 semi-final is one of the most thrilling matches in recent domestic cricket. This grueling five-day encounter, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, from 17-21 February 2025, featured everything that is special about red-ball cricket – patience, discipline, drama and heartbreak separated by moments worth a hair’s breadth.
Even though it’ official draw, Kerala made history by booking their maiden Ranji Trophy final berth on the basis of a two-run first-innings lead. That the match hung on this one little less-noticed aspect, reminded us all once again that in First-Class cricket every run counts !
Match Overview
| Match Detail | Information |
| Tournament | Ranji Trophy 2024–25 (Semi-Final) |
| Match | Kerala vs Gujarat |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Dates | 17–21 February 2025 |
| Result | Match Drawn |
| Qualification | Kerala advanced on first-innings lead |
| Player of the Match | Mohammed Azharuddeen (Kerala) |
The Kerala cricket team vs Gujarat cricket team match scorecard is a testament to how evenly contested the game was, as both sides made huge totals and did not want to give in at any point of the five days.
Kerala vs Gujarat – Innings Summary
| Innings | Team | Score | Overs | Key Performers |
| 1st Innings | Kerala | 457 | 187.0 | Azharuddeen 177*, Saxena 73 |
| 1st Innings | Gujarat | 455 | 174.4 | Panchal 148, Jaymeet Patel 79 |
| 2nd Innings | Kerala | 114/4 | 46.0 | Jalaj Saxena 37* |
| 2nd Innings | Gujarat | Did not bat | — | — |
This table demonstrates perfectly why the Kerala cricket team vs Gujarat cricket team scorecard will say it was a game of inches. Celebration, elimination was a two-run difference away.
First Innings – Kerala’s Determined Effort
batter, who frustrated Tamil Nadu and opened the innings with Praveen.
Kerala won the toss and opted to bat, a decision that required some guts and discipline. The pitch appeared flat, but the need of the hour was patience, which Kerala showed in abundance.
Mohammed Azharuddeen was the standout with one of the best innings of his life. Batting for almost two days, he made 177 not out from 341 balls, full of hard-won attentiveness. His innings had 20 boundaries and a six in complete defense & attack.
Backing him was Jalaj Saxena with a useful 73 to rescue the innings in difficult periods. Kerala finally folded for 457 in 187 overs, a scoreline that had to be reckoned with.
For Gujarat, Arzan Nagwaswalla and Chintan Gaja bowled long spells with discipline, to keep a check on the scoring rate.
Gujarat’s First Innings – Falling Short by Two Runs
Gujarat’s pursuit was based on a solid platform and sturdy batting. Skipper Priyank Panchal led from the front with a splendid 148 off 237 balls, holding one end up in a gritty manner.
He was ably supported by Aarya Desai (73) and Jaymeet Patel (79), as Gujarat stayed within touching distance of Kerala’s total all through the innings.
But Kerala’s bowlers choked the life out of it. Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate bowled marathon spells to wring every possible help out of the pitch.
Gujarat were eventually all out for 455, two runs behind Kerala’s first innings total — a passage of play that would determine the game.
Bowling Highlights – Kerala’s Silent Heroes
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
| Jalaj Saxena | 71 | 149 | 4 |
| Aditya Sarwate | 45.4 | 111 | 4 |
| MD Nidheesh | 25 | 70 | 1 |
| Basil Thampi | 20 | 60 | 1 |
Here’s how essential these bowling performances were in helping Kerala secure the much-needed lead: The Kerala cricket team vs Gujarat cricket team match scorecard details.
Kerala’s Second Innings – Playing for Time
Having secured a 136-run first innings lead, Kerala were defensive in their second turn at bat. The path was clear: bat time and avoid collapse.
Even as they lost wickets early, Jalaj Saxena to the fore yet again at 37* and Ahammed Imran at the other end. Kerala ended at 114/4 in 46 overs and the match was called a draw.
It was this cool and breezy batting that took Kerala to the final.
Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 – Kerala Build a Platform
Kerala ended the day well, with Azharuddeen and Sachin Baby steadying them after a couple of early wickets.
Day 2 – Azharuddeen Takes Control
Azharuddeen took the game by the scruff of its neck, batting well into the day and getting under their skin were Gujarat bowlers.
Day 3 – Gujarat Fight Back
Panchal and Desai raised hopes for Gujarat with a solid opening partnership.
Day 4 – The Two-Run Difference
Gujarat were skittled out for 455, giving Kerala a small but crucial first-innings lead.
Day 5 – Kerala Seal History
Kerala batted cautiously to draw and move into final.
Star Performers of the Match
| Team | Player | Contribution |
| Kerala | Mohammed Azharuddeen | 177* (Man of the Match) |
| Kerala | Jalaj Saxena | 73 & 37*, 4 wickets |
| Kerala | Aditya Sarwate | 4/111 |
| Gujarat | Priyank Panchal | 148 |
| Gujarat | Jaymeet Patel | 79 |
Why Kerala Qualified Despite the Draw
In the knockout stage of Ranji Trophy, if the first innings result is a tie, because of this rule, you have to go home. Gujarat’s 455 against Kerala’s 457 This proved just about enough to see them through.
This was yet another evidence that there are no insignificant runs in first-class cricket.
Key Turning Points
- Azharuddeen’s marathon 177
- Gujarat just two runs shy
- Sarwate’s late wickets
- Kerala’s calm second-innings batting
Every moment played a part in the final result.
Kerala vs Gujarat – Match Comparison
| Aspect | Kerala | Gujarat |
| First Innings | 457 | 455 |
| Top Scorer | Azharuddeen – 177* | Panchal – 148 |
| Best Bowler | Saxena – 4 wickets | Nagwaswalla – 3 wickets |
| Result | Qualified for Final | Eliminated |
Conclusion
The Kerala vs Gujarat match scorecard is an example of what First-Class cricket does to reward discipline, patience and mental strength. Kerala’s improbable qualification was not a testament to flash and dash but perseverance and belief.
Mohammed Azharuddeen’s unforgettable 177, and the tireless toil put in by Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate helped Kerala write a new chapter into Ranji Trophy history. Gujarat, despite the shattering defeat won a lot of respect for their fighting qualities.
This semi-final will be quoted for years among one of the closest and most engrossing contests in Indian domestic cricket.
FAQs About Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Q1: What is the match scorecard for Kerala cricket team vs Gujarat cricket team?
Kerala: 457 & 114/4
Gujarat: 455
Result: Match drawn; Kerala advanced on first-innings lead.
Q2) Who was the Player of the Match?
Mohammed Azharuddeen, who remained not out on 177.
Q3: How did Kerala reach the final?
Kerala first-innings lead was two.
Q4: Where did the match take place?
At Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Q5: What makes this game unique?
It was Kerala’s first-ever appearance in a Ranji Trophy final.
