Kerala Continues Winning Streak with Thrilling Victory over Chandigarh in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
In an exhilarating match, Kerala secured their fourth consecutive win in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament, triumphing over Chandigarh by a mere seven runs. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Kerala scored a commendable total of 193 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Chandigarh fought hard but fell short, finishing with 186 runs for the loss of six wickets.
Leading from the front, captain Sanju Samson emerged as Kerala’s star performer, registering a well-deserved half-century. Samson’s blistering knock of 52 runs off just 32 balls included four boundaries and three sixes. Alongside him, Varun Nayanar (47 off 27 balls), Vishnu Vinod (42 off 23 balls), and Rohan S. Kunnummal (30 off 24 balls) contributed significantly to Kerala’s total. Abdul Basit (8 runs off 12 balls) and Salman Nisar (8 runs off 3 balls) also played crucial cameos to strengthen their team’s position.
The opening partnership between Varun and Rohan laid a solid foundation for Kerala, with the duo adding 70 runs in just 47 balls. Although both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession, skipper Sanju Samson formed yet another formidable partnership, this time with Vishnu Vinod for the third wicket. The pair put up a valuable stand of 57 runs in 38 balls, propelling Kerala’s score further. Samson, later joined by Abdul Basit, contributed an additional 42 runs off 24 balls before being dismissed. Akash Sudan stood out with the ball for Chandigarh, picking up two wickets while conceding 46 runs in his four overs. Rajangad Bawa and Murugan Ashwin also chipped in with a wicket each.
Chasing the target, Chandigarh found hope in the brilliant batting display of captain Manan Vohra. Opening the innings, Vohra batted beautifully and remained unbeaten with a well-crafted 95 runs off just 61 balls. His innings consisted of nine fours and three sixes. However, despite Vohra’s heroics, Kerala secured the win as Vinod Kumar dismissed Bhagmender Lather in the final over. Lather’s quickfire knock of 31 runs off 12 balls, including three fours and two sixes, wasn’t enough to secure victory for Chandigarh. Shivam Bhambri (29 runs off 22 balls with three fours) and Gaurav Puri (12 runs off 9 balls with six) also made notable contributions.
In the bowling department, Basil Thampi and Vinod Kumar stood out for Kerala. Thampi conceded 40 runs in his four overs, while Vinod Kumar took two wickets for 41 runs in his four-over spell. Shreyas Gopal and Jalaj Saxena also got a wicket each.
With this victory, Kerala retains their position at the top of Elite Group B with 16 points.
English Summary: Kerala emerged victorious by a margin of seven runs against Chandigarh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Mumbai: Fourth consecutive win for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament. Kerala defeated Chandigarh in a thrilling match. Kerala won by seven runs. Kerala won the toss and elected to bat and scored 193 runs for the loss of four wickets in the allotted 20 overs. In reply, Chandigarh’s reply ended with 186 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Kerala won by seven runs. With the win, Kerala retained the top spot in Elite Group B with 16 points.
Superstar Sanju Samson, who is also the captain, top scored for Kerala in the match with a half century. Sanju became Kerala’s top scorer with 52 runs off 32 balls with four fours and three sixes. Varun Nayanar (47 off 27 balls with seven fours and a six), Vishnu Vinod (42 off 23 balls with four fours and two sixes) and Rohan S. Kunnummal (30 off 24 balls with two sixes and four each) also shining. Abdul Basit remained unbeaten with eight runs off 12 balls and Salman Nisar with eight runs off three balls.
Varun and Rohan, who scored 70 runs off just 47 balls in the opening wicket, top scored for Kerala. Although Varun and Rohan got out at short intervals, skipper Sanju Samson forged another half-century partnership with Vishnu Vinod for the third wicket to ensure Kerala’s top score. Sanju and Vishnu added 57 runs in 38 balls. Sanju got out by partnering Abdul Basit for the fourth wicket and added 42 runs off 24 balls. Akash Sudan conceded 46 runs in four overs and took two wickets for Chandigarh. Rajangad Bawa and Murugan Ashwin took a wicket each.
Captain Manan Vohra’s brilliant performance in reply batting gave Chandigarh hope of victory. Vohra, who came out as the opener, remained unbeaten with 95 runs off 61 balls. Vohra’s innings consists of nine fours and three sixes. Vinod Kumar gave Kerala victory by dismissing Bhagmender Lather in the last over. Lather scored 31 runs off 12 balls with three fours and two sixes. Shivam Bhambri who scored 29 runs with three fours in 22 balls and Gaurav Puri who scored 12 runs with six in nine balls also shone for Chandigarh.
Basil Thampi conceded 40 runs in four overs and Vinod Kumar conceded two wickets each for 41 runs in four overs for Kerala. Shreyas Gopal and Jalaj Saxena got a wicket each.
English Summary:
Kerala won by 7 runs against Chandigarh in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
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