Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Kerala dig in for draw, J&K running out of time in semi-final race

Srinagar, Feb 12: Kerala seems to have shut the door on any chase, opting for a defensive approach as they inch towards a Ranji Trophy semifinal berth, securing a slender first-inning lead of one run against Jammu & Kashmir.

At 146/3 at lunch on Day 5, still 253 runs away from victory, Kerala have made their intentions clear – survival is the priority.

On the final day of the quarter-finals, J&K finally broke the stand when Akshay Chandran (48 off 183 balls) fell to Sahil Lotra, caught at short leg, after the visitors successfully overturned the on-field decision using DRS. But Kerala’s slow and steady approach in the session—suggests they are content playing out time rather than pushing for an unlikely chase.

Yudhvir (2/47) has been the pick of the bowlers, while the rest have struggled for inroads on a slow surface. Kerala now bank on Sachin Baby and Jalaj Saxena to continue their resistance post-lunch, needing to bat out two more sessions to secure semifinal berth, having secured the crucial first-innings advantage.

J&K’s bowlers will be desperate for quick breakthroughs in the remaining sessions, but Kerala seem determined to grind out a draw and book their place in the semifinals.