Excitement guaranteed on final match; Kerala fights hard to reach Ranji Trophy semi-finals

PUNE: The Jammu and Kashmir-Kerala Ranji Trophy semi-final match is coming to an exciting end. Chasing the target of 399 runs set by Kashmir, Kerala needs 299 runs with eight wickets to win. At the end of the fourth day, Kerala has scored 100 runs for the loss of two wickets. If they score 299 runs with one day remaining or there is a draw, Kerala can reach the semi-finals on the strength of a one-run lead gained through Salman Nisar's century in the first innings. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir had declared in the second innings at 399 runs for the loss of nine wickets.

Captain Paras Dogra shone for Jammu and Kashmir. Dogra scored 132 runs off 232 balls. Kanhaiya Wadhawan scored 64 and Sahil Lotra scored 59 runs. MD Nitish took four wickets for 89 runs for Kerala. Basil and Aditya Sarwate took two wickets each, while Jalaj Saxena took the last wicket. Chasing a huge target, Kerala got off to a good start. After putting on a half-century, Rohan Kunnummal was dismissed at 54. Kerala also lost Shaun Roger, who scored only six runs. Akshay Chandran (32 off 100 balls) and captain Sachin Baby (19 off 59 balls) are now at the crease.