Cricket INTL Admin November 10, 2025 0 Comments

Chirag Jani’s Explosive Ton Dominates Day 3 as Saurashtra Surges Ahead of Kerala

Chirag Jani’s century, his first in five years, came at a crucial moment, boosting Saurashtra’s prospects for a win against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group-B match at the KCA ground, Mangalapuram in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.

Jani’s eighth First-Class century (152 runs off 204 balls, with 14 fours and 4 sixes) propelled the team from a precarious 69 for three to a solid 351 for five, leading by 278 runs at the end of the penultimate day’s play.

Earlier in the day, Kerala’s pacers exploited favorable conditions, with M.D. Nidheesh trapping Jay Gohil (24) lbw in the day’s second over. Unfortunately for Kerala, Eden Apple Tom saw catches dropped in the slip cordon, with both Sammar Gajjar (on 23) and Arpit Vasavada (on 7) getting reprieves in the same over by A.K. Akarsh.

While Sammar soon departed, Vasavada capitalized on his chance, forming a crucial 174-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Jani.

Jani’s counter-attacking innings unsettled the Kerala bowling attack. As conditions improved for batting, Jani took control, driving the Kerala bowlers around the field. He forced Ankit Sharma out of the attack and confidently played the pacers, reaching his century in style by pulling Nidheesh for six and lofting Ankit for four. Baba Aparajith eventually broke the partnership when Vasavada (74) edged to wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen.

Prerak Mankad then joined Jani, building a quick 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket, increasing pressure on Kerala. Mankad was granted a reprieve after reaching his fifty, when Sachin Baby dropped a simple catch in the slips. Jani was eventually dismissed, bowled by N.P. Basil while attempting an aggressive shot. The day’s play ended early due to poor light, preventing Saurashtra from further extending their lead.

SCORECARD

Saurashtra — 1st innings: 160.

Kerala — 1st innings: 233.

Saurashtra — 2nd innings: