Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report For GUJ vs KER 1st Semi-Final Of Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A Pitch Report  [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 will witness the first semi-final between Gujarat and Kerala starting Monday,February 17. With a place in the final at stake, both sides will leave no stone unturned when they clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A.

Gujarat

Gujarat is coming into this match with momentum on their side. They steamrolled Saurashtra in the quarter-final, winning by an innings and 98 runs. After electing to field first, Gujarat’s bowlers put up a disciplined show, with Chintan Gaza picking up four wickets. Jaymeet Patel and Siddharth Desai grabbed two wickets each, bundling out Saurashtra for 216.

When it was their turn to bat, Gujarat turned on the heat. Jaymeet Patel smashed a brilliant 103, while Urvil Patel lit up the scoreboard with a superb 140, helping Gujarat post a massive 511. In the second innings, Priyajitsing Jadeja bagged four scalps, while Arzan Nagwaswalla added three, as Saurashtra folded for 197. Led by Chintan Gaza’s leadership and all-round team effort, Gujarat will be eyeing a spot in the final.

Kerala

Kerala’s journey to the semis wasn’t as straightforward. They drew their quarter-final against Jammu & Kashmir but advanced thanks to a first-innings lead. After electing to field, Kerala bowled out J&K for 280, with MD Nidheesh grabbing six wickets in a fiery spell. Kerala responded with a total of 281, thanks to a classy century from Salman Nizar (112).

In the second innings, J&K put up a fight, declaring at 399/9. Nidheesh struck again with four more wickets. Kerala ended their second innings at 295/6, with Mohammed Azharuddeen top-scoring with a patient 67*. Kerala will be hoping to carry this gritty performance into the semi-final and make it to the final.

Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A Ahmedabad Recent Ranji Trophy Stats And Records

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Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A has been known for its spin-friendly nature. The team winning the toss will most likely bat first to take advantage of the conditions early on. While the pitch offers decent bounce and pace early on, spinners will come into play as the match progresses. 

Batting becomes more challenging in the second innings, with the surface starting to break down. The average first-innings score here in recent games has been around 280. Pacers will get some early swing, but once the ball gets older, spinners will dominate. The captain winning the toss should ideally bat first.

Players To Watch Out For At Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A

Jaymeet Patel

• Jaymeet Patel has been a revelation this Ranji season. A rock in Gujarat’s batting lineup, he has been piling up runs like it’s nobody’s business. With 582 runs in 13 innings at an average of 48.50, he has consistently delivered when the team needed him most. His ability to absorb pressure and build big innings makes him a key player for Gujarat.
• His century against Saurashtra in the quarter-final was a masterclass in patience and stroke play. Jaymeet doesn’t just bat, he grinds the opposition down, taking the game deep and tiring out the bowlers. If Gujarat is to post a big score, you can bet he’ll be at the centre of it.

Salman Nizar

• When it comes to Kerala’s batting, Salman Nizar has been their most reliable performer this season. With 555 runs in 10 innings at an astonishing average of 92.50, he’s been nothing short of phenomenal. His century in the quarter-final against J&K was a perfect mix of timing and power.
• Salman’s ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when needed has made him the backbone of Kerala’s batting order. He can bat for long periods and wear down the opposition, which will be crucial on a surface like Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A. If Kerala is to make it to the final, Salman will need to step up once again.

Siddharth Desai

• Siddharth Desai is Gujarat’s ace in the bowling department. With 57 wickets in 14 innings at an average of 23.40, Desai has been a nightmare for batters this season. He knows how to extract turn and bounce, especially on surfaces like the one at Narendra Modi Stadium.
• His best figures of 9/36 this season are a testament to his skill and control. Desai’s ability to bowl long spells and maintain pressure makes him Gujarat’s go-to bowler in crunch situations. He’s got a bag full of tricks and knows how to use them.

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