Krishnagiri (Wayanad): Sijomon Joseph's gritty fifty helped Kerala set Gujarat a victory target of 195 on the second day of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal at the Krishnagiri Stadium here on Wednesday.
The left-hander made a precious 56 on a treacherous track and along with Jalaj Saxena (44 not out) took the home side to 171 in their second innings. Kerala would be fancying their chances to make it to the semifinals for the first time on an uneven wicket.
Sijo, who came in at No. 3, took a few blows on his body and hit eight boundaries in his 148-ball knock. Sijo added 53 runs in the company of Saxena for the sixth wicket. Saxena remained unconquered and his 67-ball knock contained seven fours.
Sanju Samson, who had to retire hurt in the first innings after suffering a fracture on his finger, came out to bat in the second essay. Though Sanju failed to open his account, he made sure Kerala picked up eight vital runs for the final wicket.
Medium-pacer Roosh Kalaria (3/36) and left-arm spinner Axar Patel (3/40) were the pick of the Gujarat bowlers.
Earlier, Kerala struck back through their pacers to gain a first innings lead of 23 runs in the morning session. Gujarat, who resumed on 97/4, were bundled out for 162 in reply to home side's first innings total of 185. The pace trio of Sandeep Warrier (4/42), Basil Thampi (3/61) and M D Nidheesh (3/38) shared the spoils.
Captain Parthiv Patel top-scored for Gujarat with 43, while Kalaria made 36.
Brief scores: Kerala 185/9 and 171 in 59 overs (Sijomon Joseph 54, Jalaj Saxena 44 not out) vs Gujarat 162 in in 51.4 overs (Parthiv Patel 43; Sandeep Warrier 4/42).
