Leg-spinner Vignesh Puthur picked up the season's first five-for to help Calicut Globstars secure a seven-run victory over Trivandrum Royals and advance to the Kerala Cricket League semifinals.
Calicut Globstars held their nerve to secure a narrow seven-run victory over Trivandrum Royals at the Sports Hub Greenfield stadium, earning a spot in the semifinals of the Kerala Cricket League. Despite dropping six catches during the chase, Globstars successfully defended their total of 184 for six as Trivandrum Royals were bowled out for 177 in 19.3 overs.
Leg-spinner Vignesh Puthur was the standout bowler for Globstars, delivering the season's first five-wicket haul with remarkable figures of 5 for 13. Introduced in the 10th over, Vignesh broke a 51-run second-wicket stand by removing Krishna Prasad (14) and stumping Govind Dev Pai (0). He followed up in the 14th over by dismissing Sijomon Joseph (2) and M. Nikhil (0), reducing the Royals to 97 for six.
Royals' opener Vishnu Vinod put up a fierce fight, scoring a brilliant 118 off 62 balls with 10 fours and 8 sixes. Capitalizing on four reprieves, Vishnu brought up his century in 56 balls and struck 19 runs off M.U. Harikrishnan's 16th over. However, his brilliant effort came to an end when he top-edged a pull shot off Akhil Scaria, with Rohan Kunnummal taking the catch at mid-off. Scaria finished with 2 for 39, while Ibnul Afthab took 2 for 26.
Earlier in the day, Calicut Globstars set a competitive total of 184 for six in 20 overs, supported by Rohan Kunnummal (35), Jose Perayil (31), Salman Nizar (31 not out), and Aswin Anand (24 not out).
In the day's second match, Alleppey Ripples clinched the top spot on the league table with 12 points after defeating Thrissur Titans by three wickets. After bowling Thrissur out for 140 in 19.5 overs—with K.A. Ajinas taking 3 for 20—Ripples chased down the target, finishing at 142 for seven in 18.5 overs. Sibin P. Girish (31 not out) and M. Sreeroop (31) shared a crucial 60-run seventh-wicket stand to guide Ripples home despite Muhammed Irshad's 4 for 38.
The league phase concluded with Alleppey Ripples and Trivandrum Royals on 12 points, followed by Thrissur Titans (11 points) and Calicut Globstars (10 points). In the semifinals, Ripples will meet Globstars, while Trivandrum Royals will clash with Thrissur Titans.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Cricket. Photo courtesy The Hindu Cricket.