Kerala added 212 runs for the loss of three wickets to their overnight total of 206/4, reaching 418/7 by the end of the second day.
Mohammed Azharuddeen, marking his second first-class century seven years after his debut, played a resolute knock of 149*, anchoring Kerala’s innings on a flat Ahmedabad pitch. His stonewalling effort, combined with cautious batting, helped Kerala keep control as they aimed for their maiden Ranji Trophy final appearance.
The day began with Kerala losing Sachin Baby early, caught in the slips off Arzan Nagwaswalla’s first delivery. However, Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar put on a resilient 149-run stand for the sixth wicket, frustrating Gujarat’s bowlers for 62 overs. Despite a close lbw call against Azharuddeen on 74, which went unreviewed, Kerala’s batting continued without significant setbacks.
Sachin Baby’s Unbeaten Half-Century Guides Kerala Through Challenging Day
Nizar was eventually dismissed lbw by Vishal Jayswal, and debutant Ahammed Imran made a brief 24 before being caught off Nagwaswalla. Azharuddeen remained unbeaten as Kerala finished the day with hopes of surpassing 500 runs, while a weary Gujarat bowling attack faced an uphill task to stay competitive in the game.
