GUJ vs KER Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Ranji Trophy Semi-Final 1 Between Gujarat And Kerala?

GUJ vs KER Match Prediction [Source: @GCAMotera, @IngloriousMallu/x.com]

The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 is reaching its thrilling conclusion with Gujarat locking horns with Kerala in the first semi-final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ground A starting Monday, February 17. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams battle it out for a coveted spot in the final.

Gujarat

Gujarat enters the semi-final with wind in their sails after a comprehensive innings-and-98-run victory over Saurashtra in the quarter-final. After electing to field first, Gujarat’s bowlers made early inroads, restricting Saurashtra to 216, thanks to Chintan Gaza’s four-wicket haul and solid contributions from Jaymeet Patel and Siddharth Desai, who picked up two wickets each.

Gujarat’s batters then seized the opportunity to take control of the game. Urvil Patel’s explosive 140 and Jaymeet Patel’s 103 powered Gujarat to a mammoth 511, leaving Saurashtra with an uphill battle. In the second innings, Gujarat’s bowlers once again delivered the goods. Priyajitsing Jadeja grabbed four wickets, while Arzan Nagwaswalla chipped in with three, bundling Saurashtra out for 197 and securing Gujarat’s spot in the semi-final. Led by Chintan Gaza, Gujarat will look to keep the momentum going and march into the final.

Kerala

Kerala’s road to the semi-final was a bit more dramatic. Their quarter-final clash against Jammu & Kashmir ended in a draw but Kerala advanced on the back of a crucial first-innings lead. Kerala’s bowlers, especially MD Nidheesh, played an important role in restricting J&K to 280 in their first innings, with Nidheesh picking up a brilliant six-wicket haul.

Salman Nizar then anchored Kerala’s reply with a well-made 112, helping his side post 328 and gain a crucial lead. J&K fought back in the second innings, declaring at 399/9, but Kerala batted out the final day with Mohammed Azharuddeen’s unbeaten 67 ensuring they stayed in control. Kerala may have taken the longer road to reach this stage, but their resilience makes them a tough opponent.

How Will The Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A Pitch Behave?

The Narendra Modi Stadium, Ground A is known for its batting-friendly surface but as the game progresses, it tends to favour the spinners. Traditionally a turner, the pitch has evolved in recent years as it offers better conditions for batting early on. Pacers will enjoy some swing with the new ball in the early hours but once the ball gets older, it’s the spinners who will come into play. The average first-innings score here round 350 in Test matches, indicating a decent batting surface early on.

The team that wins the toss will likely choose to bat first, aiming to post a big score before the pitch starts breaking up. Batting will become progressively difficult as the match goes on, making the first innings crucial.

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Players To Watch Out For In GUJ vs KER

Gujarat

Manan Hingrajia

Manan Hingrajia has been a run-machine for Gujarat this season. With 662 runs in the last 10 matches at an average of 47.29, he’s been unstoppable. His patient and composed style makes him the anchor of Gujarat’s batting lineup.

Jaymeet Patel

Jaymeet Patel is in sublime form with 582 runs in the last 8 matches, averaging 48.5. His ability to build long innings and hold the fort makes him a reliable option in the middle order.

Siddharth Desai

Siddharth Desai has been Gujarat’s main weapon with the ball as he has snagged 40 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 3.04. His knack for striking at crucial moments keeps batters on edge.

Chintan Gaja

Chintan Gaja has been solid for Gujarat with 29 wickets in 10 matches, maintaining an economy of 2.85. He’s the kind of bowler who can keep things tight and build pressure.

Kerala

Sachin Baby

Sachin Baby has been the backbone of Kerala’s batting, racking up 627 runs at an average of 44.79 in 10 matches. He knows how to handle pressure and deliver when it matters most.

Akshay Chandran

Akshay Chandran has quietly amassed 620 runs in 9 matches at a strong average of 47.69. His consistency and ability to rotate the strike make him an asset for Kerala.

Jalaj Saxena

Jalaj Saxena is having a dream run with the ball, grabbing 49 wickets in just 9 matches at an economy of 2.85. His ability to trouble batters with his flight and turn makes him a nightmare to face.

Aditya Sarwate

Aditya Sarwate has been highly effective for Kerala, with 26 wickets in 6 matches at a miserly economy of 2.5. His control and accuracy make him a key player to watch out for.

Today's Match Prediction: GUJ vs KER

Predicted Top Performers

Gujarat– Jaymeet Patel, Siddharth Desai, Chintan Gaja
Kerala – Sachin Baby, Akshay Chandran, Jalaj Saxena

GUJ vs KER: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 270-290
Predicted second innings score: 350-370
Predicted third innings score: 180-200
Predicted fourth innings score: 100-120

Predicted Result: The team batting first will likely have an edge in this match.

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