N Basil broke Gujarat's brilliant opening stand, but Priyank Panchal scored a century in response to Kerala's formidable total of 457 on day three of the Ranji Trophy semifinals in Ahmedabad.

Pacer Basil castled Aarya Desai (73) to end a 131-run partnership with Panchal. But Kerala bowlers failed to exploit the situation, allowing Gujarat to make 222/1 in 71 overs at close of play. Panchal was unbeaten on 117 from 200, giving him company was Manan Hingrajia (30).

Kerala used six bowlers, including part-time spinner Akshay Chandran and debutant off-spinner Ahammed Imran, aiming to exploit a few cracks from which Gujarat's left-arm spinners manufactured turn. Gujarat trail by 235 runs, but with nine wickets in hand, they will be confident of overcoming the deficit on day four.  

Earlier, Kerala showed urgency in scoring for the first time in their Ranji Trophy semifinals against Gujarat when play resumed on day three.

Mohammed Azharudeen straightaway got to 150 with a single in the first ball. Kerala went from 418/7 to 457 in 10 overs, hitting four boundaries and a six. While the run rate was still a modest 3.9, compared to the going rate under 2.5 on the first two days, it was a welcome relief.

Kerala's Mohammed Azharuddeen plays a shot on day three of the Ranji Trophy semifinals against Gujarat in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Photo: Vignesh Krishnamoorthy/ Manorama
Kerala's Mohammed Azharuddeen plays a shot on day three of the Ranji Trophy semifinals against Gujarat in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Photo: Vignesh Krishnamoorthy/ Manorama

Gujarat put out Kerala's resistance, with their skipper Chinthan Gaja claiming two of the remaining three wickets in the first session. But the overnight centurion, Azhar, remained unbeaten on 177 off 341 deliveries, his best yet for the state.

Kerala led by Sachin Baby are playing the Ranji semifinals for the first time since 2018-19. Kerala's only active international Sanju Samson is not part of the match as he is recovering from a fracture on his index finger sustained during India's T20I home series against England.

Brief scores: Kerala 457 in 187 overs (Azharuddeen 177 not out, Sachin Baby 69, Salman Nizar 52, Arzan Nagwaswalla 3/81, Chintan Gaja 2/75) vs Gujarat 222/1 in 71 overs (Priyank Panchal 117 not out, Aarya Desai 73, Manan Hingrajia 30 not out) Stumps Day 3

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