Wayand (Kerala), Jan. 17 -- Scripting history, Kerala stormed into the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time with a 113-run win over Gujarat on the third day of the quarterfinal here Thursday.

This is the first time that the Kerala team has entered the last four stage of the prestigious tournament in over five decades. In the last season, the state made its maiden entry into the quarterfinal, but lost to Vidharbha.

Requiring 195 to win the match, Gujarat was shot out for 81 in 31.3 overs as Basil Thampi (5 for 27) and Sandeep Warrier (4 for 30) wrecked the strong rival batting line-up.

Gujarat didn't have the best start, losing opener Kathan D Patel in the sixth over.

Patel was bowled by Thampi, who struck a big blow in th...