Watch: Sanju Samson comes out to bat with a fractured finger in Ranji Trophy QF
An injured Sanju Samson showed grit and courage as he came out to bat for Kerala during their all-important Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash against Gujarat at Wayanad. He overcame a broken finger and displayed enormous resilience with the bat.
Gujarat skipper Parthiv Patel won the toss and opted to bowl after winning the toss during the fourth quarterfinal of the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy. Kerala posted 185-9 in their first innings. Basil Thampi made a major contribution with the willow for the southern side, amassing 37 off 33 balls.
Chintan Gaja was the chief tormentor with the cherry for Gujarat scalping four wickets, while Arzan Nagwaswalla and Roosh Kalaria took three and two wickets respectively. In reply, Parthiv's men were bowled out for just 162 runs in their first innings thereby handing Kerala a 23-run first innings lead.
Meanwhile, Kerala took their lead to 194 having amassed 171 runs in their second innings. Chasing 195 runs for a place in the semi-finals, Gujarat bundled out for just 81- courtesy a splendid five-wicket haul from Basil Thampi and Sandeep Warrier's 4/30. Thereby, Sachin Babys men made the semis after a thumping 113-run win over Gujarat in the Quarter-finals.
Kerala's star batsman Sanju Samson, who was retired hurt (17 off 34 balls) due to a fractured finger during Kerala's first innings, came out to the middle in the second innings on day two much to the amazement of everyone.
Samson, who joined all-rounder Jalaj Saxena in the middle, used just one hand and battled nine deliveries before being dismissed leg-before-wicket by Axar Patel. Unfortunately, he failed to get off the mark during his short stay at the crease.
While Saxena remained not out on 44, Sijomon Joseph top-scored for Kerala in the second innings with 56 off 148 balls. Nevertheless, it was a courageous effort by Sanju Samson who is being praised across the cricketing fraternity for his determination to fight for his side in spite of suffering from a fractured finger.
The win against Gujarat ensured Kerala their maiden spot in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals. With the other matches still in progress, they are awaiting their opponents for what promises to an exciting clash.
Watch Sanju Samson's gritty batting with a broken finger