Kerala bowled out Gujarat for 455, creating a match-defining margin of two runs to take a huge stride towards reaching the Ranji Trophy final.
Before this, Gujarat's teen batting star Jaymeet Patel held firm against intense pressure in his debut First-Class season to bring his team nearer to Kerala's first-innings score with a rearguard action on Day 4 in the Ranji Trophy semifinal at Narendra Modi Stadium.

🚨 A FINAL'S ENTRY BY BAREST OF MARGIN IN RANJI TROPHY. 🚨

- Kerala for the first time in 74 years history have qualified for the Ranji Final by just 2 runs lead. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ClCjik4cBn

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 21, 2025

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This year, Jaymeet, Gujarat's top run-getter, entered with the hosts struggling under a middle-order collapse led by Kerala's experienced off-spinner Jalaj Saxena. Rather than crumbling under pressure, however, he played the game out, stitching together vital partnerships with Vishal Jayswal and Siddharth Desai. His cautious approach helped Gujarat continue to chip away at the deficit, leaving it poised for a nerve-wracking finish where each run would be precious.
Gujarat's prospects of first innings lead were rocked in the morning session earlier in the day when Manan Hingrajia was given out by a debatable third-umpire decision, five overs into the morning session. The replays indicated the ball hitting his bat and pad nearly in unison, but the referral went against him to Kerala's benefit, having him return to the pavilion for 33.

Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube came up with an amazing bowling display in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, taking a vital five-wicket haul. His brilliant spell enabled Mumbai to strengthen their hold on the match, leaving them in a position of authority against Vidarbha.

FIVE-WICKET HAUL FOR SHIVAM DUBE IN RANJI TROPHY SEMI-FINAL. 💛

- What a fantastic bowling performance by Dube in the big stage. pic.twitter.com/0fNYnzBIAC

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 18, 2025

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Dube, who was best known for his aggressive batting, proved that he is all-rounder with the ball on the grand stage as well. His composed bowling frustrated the batting order of Vidarbha, snapping major partnerships and keeping Mumbai in charge.

Mumbai, who are chasing another Ranji Trophy title, would need Dube's all-rounder qualities to be instrumental in their bid for the championship.

Cricket experts as well as fans have appreciated the work of Dube, and his confidence level will be through the roof when he continues with the rest of the tournament. Will he keep on doing his heroics and take Mumbai to triumph? Only time will tell that!