Ranji Trophy: Huge day for Kerala as they beat Gujarat, qualify for their first semi-final

Sandeep Warrier and Basil Thampi claimed eight wickets each in the match as Kerala defeated Gujarat by 113 runs and reached their first-ever Ranji Trophy semi-final on Thursday. 

Batting first, Kerala posted a total of 185 for 9 in 39.3 overs with their wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson getting retired hurt. 

In reply to that, Gujarat just managed 162 runs in 51.4 overs. 

In the second innings for Kerala, No. 3 batsman Sijomon Joseph top-scored with his 148-ball knock of 56. The next best batsman was all-rounder Jalaj Saxena who chipped in with 44 off 67 balls. 

Chasing a target of 194, Gujarat were wrapped up for a mere 81 runs, thanks to Warrier's 4 for 30 and Thampi's 5 for 27. 

It took Kerala as many as 61 long years to reach their first semi-final and the ardent Kerala cricket team's fans have just one man to thank for it, Dav Whatmore. The Australian took over Kerala's charge last year and in his very first year as the coach, he made by getting Kerala to the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time.