Salman Nizar’s Blazing Knock Steals Victory for Calicut Globstars
In a thrilling encounter of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), Calicut Globstars pulled off a remarkable heist against Kochi Blue Tigers, thanks to a blazing knock by Salman Nizar.
Chasing a challenging target of 170, Globstars were in dire straits at 79 for six. However, Nizar stepped up to the plate and played an unforgettable innings, smashing an unbeaten 73 off just 41 deliveries. His knock was studded with four boundaries and six towering sixes.
Nizar’s heroics were complemented by a crucial 61-run partnership with M. Nikhil (27). The duo revived Globstars’ hopes and brought them within striking distance of victory.
In the final over, Globstars needed 21 runs to win. Nizar took matters into his own hands, carting left-arm spinner P.S. Jerin for three consecutive sixes. He then scampered a two and took a single to seal the victory with one ball to spare.
Earlier, Kochi Blue Tigers had posted a competitive 169 for four, thanks to a standout performance by Shoun Roger. Roger’s unbeaten 73 off 38 balls, which included seven fours and five sixes, propelled the Tigers to a daunting total.
In the other match of the day, Alleppey Ripples snapped their losing streak by ending Trivandrum Royal’s unbeaten run with a 52-run victory. Ripples defended the lowest total (125/7) in a winning cause in the tournament after bundling out Royals for a mere 73.
Akshay Chandran was the star performer for Ripples, claiming four wickets for just nine runs in his four overs. His victims included the prized scalp of Abdul Basith, whose ill-advised reverse sweep resulted in a catch to wicketkeeper Azharuddeen.
