# Ranji Trophy Final: Kerala Reaches First Ranji Trophy Final in 74 Years courtesy a 2-run win!

URL: https://technosports.co.in/ranji-trophy-final-kerala-reaches-first-ranji/  
Published: 2025-02-22  
Updated: 2025-02-22  
Author: REMYA BABU S

Ranji Trophy Final : In a **nail biting finish**, Kerala **etched its name in [Ranji Trophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranji_Trophy)history**, securing a place in the **final for the first time in 74 years** by the **barest of margins**—just **a two-run lead** against Gujarat. The intense semifinal at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, was filled with **drama, nerves, and an unforgettable last-wicket twist**.

> In a historic first, Kerala reaches Ranji Trophy final 👏👏 [pic.twitter.com/hmBFZuT8W8](https://t.co/hmBFZuT8W8)
>
> — A Ashok (@Ashokngou) [February 21, 2025](https://twitter.com/Ashokngou/status/1892975253439332388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## ***Ranji Trophy Final : Kerala Scripts History! Reaches Maiden Ranji Trophy Final by Just 2 Runs***

## **A Finish for the Ages: Helmet Deflection Seals Kerala’s Fate**

In the dying moments of Gujarat’s first innings, the equation was simple:  
🔹 **Kerala needed one wicket**  
🔹 **Gujarat needed just two runs**

With Arzan Nagwaswalla at the crease, tension soared. Off **Aditya Sarwate’s delivery**, Nagwaswalla attempted a **slog-sweep**, only for the ball to ricochet off **Salman Nizar’s helmet at silly point**, landing perfectly into the hands of **skipper Sachin Baby at first slip**. **Game over!** Kerala had **won the battle by just 2 runs**, securing their **maiden Ranji Trophy final appearance since their debut in 1951-52**.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ranji-Trophy-Final-5.webp)

## **Kerala’s Road to the Final: Thriving on Slim Margins**

Kerala has had a season filled with **razor-thin victories**. In their **quarterfinal against Jammu & Kashmir**, they advanced by just **one run in the first innings**. This time, they pushed the limits further, overcoming Gujarat with an even tighter **two-run lead**.

Their **first-innings total of 457** proved just enough, as Gujarat fell heartbreakingly short, managing **455 all out**. **Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate’s** disciplined bowling attack ensured Kerala’s place in history.

## **A Look at the Key Moments**

> In a historic first, Kerala reaches Ranji Trophy final 👏👏 [pic.twitter.com/hmBFZuT8W8](https://t.co/hmBFZuT8W8)
>
> — A Ashok (@Ashokngou) [February 21, 2025](https://twitter.com/Ashokngou/status/1892975253439332388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

🔥 **Siddharth Desai’s Controversial Dismissal** – Gujarat needed just 11 runs when Desai was given out LBW, despite initially surviving a caught decision. The review revealed the ball would have hit the stumps, sending him back in dramatic fashion.

🔥 **Jaymeet Patel’s Costly Rush of Blood** – After a composed stay at the crease, Patel played a rash shot, gifting a simple catch to cover.

🔥 **Nagwaswalla’s Freak Dismissal** – In what will go down as one of the most bizarre Ranji Trophy dismissals, his shot off Nizar’s helmet became the **defining moment of Kerala’s history-making campaign**.

> Match over. Truly and verily, Kerala enters the final of Ranji Trophy. A first in 74 years! 💥 [pic.twitter.com/uCkOMAS5Am](https://t.co/uCkOMAS5Am)
>
> — N.S. Madhavan (@NSMlive) [February 21, 2025](https://twitter.com/NSMlive/status/1892877221775237484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## **What’s Next? Kerala Awaits the Final Battle**

With this **thrilling win**, Kerala will now **face either Mumbai or Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy final**. Mumbai, the most successful team in the tournament’s history, will pose a major challenge if they progress.

## FAQs

### When did Kerala qualify for their first Ranji Trophy final?

Kerala qualified for their first-ever Ranji Trophy final in 2025.

### How did Kerala win the semifinal against Gujarat?

Kerala secured a **two-run lead** in the first innings, which was enough to qualify.

**Read more: [IPL 2025 Retentions: Full List of Retained and Released Players, Remaining Purse, RTM Cards & Confirmed Captains](https://technosports.co.in/ipl-2025-retentions-players-purse-rtm-captains/)**