Ranji Trophy: Azharuddeen's ton puts Kerala in command against Gujarat
What's the story
Kerala's top-order batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen has taken the ongoing Ranji Trophy semi-final against Gujarat by storm.
He scored his second First-Class century on Tuesday, his first hundred in seven years.
The stunning innings handed Kerala the upper hand in the Ahmedabad match.
Kerala ended Day 2 on 418/7. They have batted 177 overs. Azharuddeen is unbeaten on 149.
Strategic alliance
Azharuddeen's partnership with Nizar strengthens Kerala's position
Azharuddeen (149* off 303 balls, 17 fours) and Salman Nizar put up a solid stand for the sixth wicket after Sachin Baby was dismissed early on Day 2.
Their partnership added 149 runs to Kerala's total, taking the team to a commanding position of 418/7 at stumps on Day 2.
The successful partnership between Azharuddeen and Nizar was key to Kerala's dominance in the match.
Bowling challenges
Gujarat's bowling attack struggles to break Kerala's momentum
Gujarat's bowling attack, spearheaded by Arzan Nagwaswalla and Jaymeet Patel, failed to make any significant inroads into Kerala's batting lineup.
Despite an early breakthrough with Baby's wicket, the bowlers failed to break the partnership between Azharuddeen and Nizar.
Patel nearly dismissed Azharuddeen on 47 but Manan Hingrajia dropped a catch at first slip, further complicating Gujarat's efforts to regain control of the match.
Missed chances
Missed DRS opportunities and dropped catches hamper Gujarat
Gujarat's fielding woes didn't end as a fine edge from Nizar off Ravi Bishnoi was also dropped by Urvil Patel.
The team missed a few DRS opportunities as well, further letting both batters continue their partnership.
These missed chances have cost Gujarat dearly in their bid to break Kerala's batting momentum in the Ranji Trophy semifinal match.
Scoring spree
Azharuddeen and Nizar's scoring spree frustrates Gujarat
Azharuddeen reached his century off 175 balls, earning applause from his team for his resilient performance.
Nizar also contributed significantly by scoring a half-century off 185 balls, further frustrating the Gujarat side.
Their combined efforts in the second session left Gujarat struggling to find a breakthrough in the Ranji Trophy semi-final match.
Stats
Azharuddeen's second First-Class hundred
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).