Tamil Nadu kept their Ranji Trophy knockout ambitions firmly on track with a seven-wicket victory over Kerala, successfully chasing a target of 198 on the final day. In a match where discipline and patience mattered more than flair, Tamil Nadu showed composure under pressure to seal a crucial win at a decisive stage of the league phase.
Kerala entered the final day knowing that early wickets were their best chance of forcing a result. The pitch had shown signs of wear, with variable bounce and some turn on offer, making the chase far from straightforward. A target just under 200 was competitive enough to test technique and temperament, especially against a Kerala attack that had been persistent throughout the match.
Tamil Nadu’s chase began cautiously. The openers focused on seeing off the new ball rather than dominating the bowling, aware that one rash shot could swing momentum. Kerala’s seamers bowled with control, keeping runs tight and probing the outside edge. An early breakthrough lifted Kerala’s hopes and ensured the contest remained alive during the opening session.
The key phase of the match unfolded through Tamil Nadu’s top and middle order, who resisted the urge to accelerate unnecessarily. Partnerships were prioritised, with batters content to grind down the bowlers. Strike rotation became the backbone of the chase, preventing Kerala from settling into long, pressure-building spells.
Kerala fought hard to claw their way back into the contest. Their spinners played a vital role, extracting whatever assistance the surface provided and forcing the batters to work for runs. A second wicket briefly raised belief in the Kerala camp, particularly with the target still some distance away and the pitch offering uneven bounce.
However, Tamil Nadu’s response was measured and mature. A decisive partnership steadied the innings and gradually pushed the game out of Kerala’s reach. The batters showed sound judgment in shot selection, punishing loose deliveries while respecting the good ones. Their footwork against spin improved as the innings progressed, neutralising Kerala’s biggest threat.
As the target dropped below 50, the match’s direction became clear. Tamil Nadu avoided unnecessary risks, ensuring there was no late collapse. Boundaries were struck at the right moments to deflate the bowling side, and singles were taken smartly to keep the scoreboard moving. The winning runs were scored without drama, sealing a seven-wicket win that reflected control rather than dominance.
For Kerala, the loss was a bitter one. Despite their bowlers’ discipline and sustained effort, they lacked the decisive breakthroughs needed on the final day. The match will leave them reflecting on missed chances earlier in the game, particularly with the bat, where a few extra runs could have made the difference in a tight fourth-innings chase.
Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, will draw significant confidence from this result. Chasing close to 200 on the final day in Ranji Trophy conditions is never easy, and the manner of the victory speaks to the side’s depth and temperament. More importantly, the win keeps them firmly in the knockout race, ensuring their campaign remains alive as the competition heads into its decisive phase.
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