You probably saw the headlines about Kerala’s incredible defensive victory on February 12, 2025. A draw that somehow sent them to the Ranji Trophy semi-final while Jammu and Kashmir watched their maiden semi-final dream slip away.
But what actually happened across those five days in Pune?
Here’s what went down: Salman Nizar’s century in the first innings gave Kerala a narrow one-run lead, and that razor-thin margin became the difference between historic progress and heartbreak.
Paras Dogra’s 132 in the second innings gave J&K a strong position, but Sachin Baby’s side held their nerve on Day 5 with an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership of 115 runs between Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen that wore down the attack.
| Match Date | Venue | Result | J&K Score | Kerala Score | Key Performance |
| Feb 8-12, 2025 | Pune | Draw (Kerala won on 1st inn) | 280 & 399/9d | 281 & 295/6 | Nizar 112, Dogra 132 |
Complete Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Timeline
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Timeline shows their competitive history in domestic cricket.
These teams have met multiple times in the Ranji Trophy, with each encounter revealing different phases of both teams’ evolution in India’s premier first-class competition.
The most recent clash between Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Timeline was the 2024-25 quarter-final in Pune.
This match proved pivotal for Kerala, marking only their second semi-final appearance in Ranji Trophy history.
For J&K, it represented their best chance yet at reaching the semi-finals, making the loss all the more significant.
| Season | Venue | Result | Winner | Notes |
| 2024-25 (QF) | Pune | Draw | Kerala (1st inn lead) | Historic day 5 resistance |
| 2023-24 (League) | Srinagar | TBD | – | Regular season match |
| Earlier seasons | Various | Mixed | – | Regular Ranji matches |
Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Feb 2025 Quarter-Final
Day 1 & 2: J&K Struggles, Kerala Takes Early Lead
Jammu and Kashmir struggled on the opening day at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
They reached 228 for 8 by stumps on Day 1, showing early vulnerability against Kerala’s bowling attack.
MD Nidheesh was the standout performer, taking 6 for 75 across Kerala’s first innings. Kerala responded with resilience, especially when they were reduced to 200 for 9, appearing headed for a modest total.
That’s when Salman Nizar stepped up with a brilliant unbeaten 112 off 172 balls to guide Kerala to 281.
The one-run first-innings lead proved crucial. Nizar’s century transformed a desperate situation into a competitive position. It was the foundation upon which Kerala’s entire semi-final qualification would rest.
Day 3 & 4: J&K Pushes Back with Second-Innings Dominance
Jammu and Kashmir bounced back in their second innings with a commanding performance.
Paras Dogra, the J&K captain, led from the front with a brilliant 132 off 232 balls, showcasing both authority and patience.
Kanhaiya Wadhawan contributed 64 runs in a supporting role. The lower order then accelerated dramatically, with Sahil Lotra hitting 59 and Yudhvir Singh smashing an unbeaten 27 off just 14 balls.
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J&K declared at 399 for 9 in 100.2 overs, setting Kerala a target of 399 runs to win.
The highest successful Ranji Trophy run chase stands at 378 runs. This meant Kerala faced what appeared an impossible task, but they had another option: bat for the draw and rely on their first-innings lead in the knockout format.
Day 5: Kerala’s Legendary Resistance
Kerala began Day 5 at 100 for 2, needing 299 more runs but with a different strategy. Sachin Baby and Akshay Chandran started the day with extreme caution, scoring just 58 runs across 259 deliveries. Their defensive approach frustrated J&K’s bowling attack.
When both fell, Kerala slipped to 146 for 5. The match then saw a dramatic mid-afternoon collapse with Sachin Baby, Jalaj Saxena, and Aditya Sarwate all dismissed. Kerala reached 6 for 189, with J&K needing just 4 more wickets for an outright victory.
Then came the partnership that changed everything. Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen combined for an unbroken 115-run stand off 257 deliveries.
Nizar batted 162 balls for an unbeaten 44, showcasing extraordinary patience. Azharuddeen scored 67 off 118 balls, playing the more aggressive role while Nizar stonewalled.
This seventh-wicket partnership lasted 42.4 overs, grinding J&K’s attack to dust. Kerala finished at 295 for 6, and the draw on first-innings lead took them to the semi-finals. J&K’s heartbreak was complete.
Key Player Performances That Shaped the Match
Salman Nizar – Kerala’s Unlikely Hero
Salman Nizar was named Player of the Match for his dual impact. His first-innings 112 off 172 balls rescued Kerala from 200 for 9. His Day 5 unbeaten 44 off 162 balls proved equally crucial, holding Kerala’s innings together when collapse seemed certain.
Paras Dogra – J&K Captain’s Brilliant Century
At 40 years old, Paras Dogra showed the experience and technique of a seasoned international. His 132 off 232 balls in the second innings was a masterclass in building an innings. He drove, cut, and pulled imperiously, steering J&K to a commanding position.
Understanding the tactical nuances of first-class cricket requires knowledge of format-specific rules and strategies.
Learn more about the Ranji Trophy tournament structure and format to understand how teams qualify and advance through different stages.
Auqib Nabi – Seam Bowling Brilliance
Auqib Nabi took 6 for 53 in Kerala’s first innings, exploiting the greenish Pune pitch. The seam movement was extraordinary on Day 2, with the ball tracking and moving sharply off the deck. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t replicate this magic on Day 5.
Mohammed Azharuddeen – The Courageous Counter-Attacker
Azharuddeen’s 67 off 118 balls on Day 5 showed aggressive batting when caution was needed elsewhere. His counter-attacking approach contrasted perfectly with Nizar’s stonewalling, creating a balanced partnership. He took calculated risks while managing pressure exceptionally well.
Why This Match Mattered
Kerala reached the Ranji Trophy semi-finals for only the second time in their history. Their previous semi-final appearance was in the 2018-19 season, when they eventually lost to Vidarbha.
This time, they face Gujarat in the semi-final on February 17, 2025, with a genuine chance at reaching the final.
For Jammu and Kashmir, the loss ended their maiden semi-final bid despite their strongest league performance. They won 5 matches in the league stage, finishing at the top of their group, but fell at the knockout hurdle.
The heartbreak was genuine, but their emergence as a competitive force signals a shift in Indian domestic cricket.
The first-innings lead proved decisive in this knockout format. In regular Test cricket, a draw is just a draw.
In Ranji Trophy knockouts, the team with the better first-innings performance advances. This rule shaped Kerala’s entire strategy on Day 5.
FAQs
How many times have J&K and Kerala played in Ranji Trophy?
The exact number varies by season, but they meet regularly in the Ranji Trophy league and knockout stages. The Feb 2025 quarter-final was their most consequential meeting.
What is the head-to-head record between these teams?
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Team vs Kerala Cricket Team Timeline shows mixed results across their encounters, with both teams having moments of dominance depending on pitch and form.
Why did Kerala qualify despite not winning?
In Ranji Trophy knockouts, first-innings lead decides draws. Kerala’s one-run lead made the draw sufficient for semi-final qualification. Championship cricket requires a win, but Ranji knockouts reward strong first-innings performances.
What was Salman Nizar’s total contribution?
Nizar scored 112 in the first innings and an unbeaten 44 in the second. His two crucial phases in the same match proved match-winning, earning him Player of the Match honors.
Did J&K have realistic chances to win Day 5?
Yes, J&K reduced Kerala to 6 for 189 and needed just 4 more wickets. But the seventh-wicket partnership between Nizar and Azharuddeen killed the contest in final sessions. Time ran out as pitch conditions improved for batting.
When is Kerala’s semi-final match?
Kerala plays Gujarat on February 17, 2025. This is their path to redemption after their 2018-19 semi-final loss. They’re seeking to reach their first Ranji Trophy final.
What pitch conditions favored J&K initially?
The Pune pitch was greenish early on, favoring seam bowling. Auqib Nabi exploited this perfectly with 6 for 53. By Day 5, the pitch had worn out and played true for batting, helping Kerala bat out the final day successfully.
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