The inaugural Kerala Cricket League (KCL) has reached its climax, with Aries Kollam Sailors and Calicut Globstars set to battle it out in the final. Both teams have showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, securing contrasting victories in the semifinals.
Aries Kollam Sailors, led by captain Sachin Baby, put up a formidable total of 210 for two against Thrissur Titans. Opener Abhishek Nair played a blistering knock of 103 runs, while Baby himself contributed an unbeaten 83. The Sailors’ bowlers then restricted Titans to 194 for eight, with N.P. Basil and Biju Narayanan claiming three and two wickets, respectively.
In the other semifinal, Calicut Globstars staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Trivandrum Royals. Royals looked poised for victory at 131 for one in the 15th over, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose their way. Riya Basheer and Govind Dev Pai, who had put on a 130-run partnership, were dismissed in quick succession by Akhil Scaria. Scaria then claimed two more wickets in the 18th over to seal the win for Globstars.
The final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. Sailors will rely on their batting prowess, while Globstars will look to their bowlers to make the difference. The match will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, September 17.
