Ranji Trophy: Centurion Mohammed Azharuddeen scripts history in semi-final
What's the story
Kerala's star batter, Mohammed Azharuddeen, has created history in the ongoing 2024-25 Ranji Trophy semi-final clash against Gujarat.
He became the first player from his state to score a century in the all-important stage of India's premier domestic cricket competition.
The match is being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium as Azharuddeen's first-innings ton has put Kerala on command.
Here are his stats.
Partnership
Azharuddeen-Nizar partnership steers Kerala to strong position
Despite losing captain Sachin Baby early on Day 2, Kerala kept their momentum going.
This was largely due to a century sixth-wicket partnership between Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar Nizar, who powered their side past 300.
Meanwhile, Azharuddeen completed his century post-lunch. Notably, Kerala were reeling at 157/4 when Azharuddeen arrived to bat on Day 1.
Recovery
Kerala's early struggle and recovery in the match
Meanwhile, Kerala ended Day 1 at 206 for 4 thanks to an unbeaten fifty from captain Sachin Baby.
Gujarat struck early on Day 2 with Baby falling for 69.
However, a resilient partnership between Azharuddeen and Nizar helped Kerala recover from a precarious position of 206/5 to cross the 300-run mark without further damage.
Meanwhile, Rohan Kunnummal, Akshay Chandran, and Jalaj Saxena scored 30 runs apiece for Kerala.
Stats
Maiden hundred for Azharuddeen this season
This was Azharuddeen's maiden hundred in the ongoing 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Playing his ninth game, he has raced past 530 runs at a brilliant average of 66-plus. The tally also includes four fifties.
Salman Nizar is the only other Kerala batter with 500-plus runs in the season.
Overall, this was Azharuddeen's second First-Class hundred. Playing his 34th match, he has raced past 1,700 runs at 32-plus (50s: 11).