Mohammed Azharuddeen Creates History in Ranji Trophy Semifinal

Mohammed Azharuddeen has etched his name in history by becoming the first Kerala batter to score a century in a Ranji Trophy semifinal. The wicketkeeper-batter achieved this milestone against Gujarat in Ahmedabad, playing a crucial role in Kerala’s strong first-innings total.

A Century Under Pressure

Azharuddeen came to the crease at a challenging time, with Kerala struggling at 157 for four. He steadied the innings alongside his captain Sachin Baby, ensuring that Kerala ended the opening day at 206 for four.

On the second day, despite losing his skipper early, Azharuddeen continued his brilliant knock, forming a valuable partnership with the in-form Salman Nizar, which helped Kerala push past the 300-run mark.

He reached his century with a single off spinner Siddharth Desai, drawing a standing ovation from the Kerala dugout. This was Azharuddeen’s second First-Class hundred, further cementing his reputation as a dependable batter.

Who Is Mohammed Azharuddeen?

Mohammed Azharuddeen is a talented cricketer from Kerala known for his aggressive stroke play and versatility. A right-handed batter and wicketkeeper, he gained widespread attention after scoring a blistering 137 off 54 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021, drawing comparisons to Indian legend Mohammad Azharuddin due to their similar names.

He has been a key figure in Kerala’s cricketing circuit, consistently delivering impactful performances across formats. His latest century in the Ranji Trophy semifinal is another testament to his growing stature in domestic cricket.

Kerala’s Ranji Trophy Journey

Kerala, playing only their second-ever Ranji Trophy semifinal, will look to capitalize on Azharuddeen’s innings and push for a spot in the final. With a strong batting performance and a determined bowling unit, they aim to create history in Indian domestic cricket.