Thiruvananthapuram: Following a stellar performance throughout the tournament, Kochi Blue Tigers have been crowned champions of the KCL Season 2. In the final, Kochi defeated Kollam Sailors by 75 runs to claim the title of the second season of the KCL. Batting first, Kochi scored 181 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs. In response, Kollam were all out for 106 runs in just 16.3 overs. Vinoop Manoharan, who played a fantastic innings to secure the victory for his team, was named the Player of the Match. Akhil Scaria, who shone with both the bat and ball throughout the tournament, was declared the Player of the Series.
The Kochi Blue Tigers’ innings in the final was a rollercoaster ride, beginning with a blistering start, followed by a dramatic collapse, and then a powerful finish in the last few overs to reach a formidable total.
After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Kochi had one of the best starts of the tournament. Even though they lost Vipul Sakthi early in the second over, Vinoop Manoharan’s magnificent innings gave Kochi a fantastic start. In the third over, Vinoop hit three fours, and in the very next over, he added three more fours and a six. Kochi’s score reached 50 on the first ball of the fifth over, and Vinoop completed his half-century in just 20 balls. In the very next over bowled by Sharafuddeen, Vinoop hit three more consecutive boundaries.
However, Sachin Baby’s strategy to bring in M. S. Akhil in the eighth over paid off. Vinoop Manoharan’s attempt to hit Akhil over the top resulted in a catch. Abhishek J. Nair’s brilliant catch near the boundary line changed the course of the game. Vinoop scored 70 runs off 30 balls, which included nine fours and four sixes. What followed was a complete collapse as Kochi’s batters threw their wickets away. Saly Samson was caught by Sachin Baby off Ajay Ghosh’s bowling after scoring eight runs. Mohammed Shanu and Ajeesh were dismissed for 10 and 0 runs respectively. Nikhil Thottath, the hero of the semi-final, also departed after scoring just 10 runs. Though Jobin Joby and Mohammed Ashiq started with some good shots, they were out for 12 and 7 runs respectively. However, Alfi Francis’s crucial innings in the final overs was a big help for Kochi. Alfi remained unbeaten with 47 runs off 25 balls, an innings that helped him overcome the disappointment of being ‘timed out’ in the semi-final. For Kollam, Pawan Raj and Sharafuddeen took two wickets each.
Kollam’s chase began with a major setback. Saly Samson provided the breakthrough for Kochi by dismissing Bharath Surya in the very first over. In his second over, Saly took the wicket of Abhishek J. Nair, who had scored 13 runs, and also contributed with a brilliant catch that led to the dismissal of Vatsal Govind, who made 10 runs. Kollam’s hopes were still alive when Vishnu Vinod joined captain Sachin Baby at the crease. However, when Sachin Baby was clean bowled by Ajeesh after scoring 17 runs, the game shifted firmly in Kochi’s favour.
P.S. Jerin’s eighth over shattered Kollam’s last hopes. Jerin clean bowled Vishnu Vinod, who had scored 10 runs, and on the last ball of the over, he had M.S. Akhil caught by Saly Samson. Akhil had scored two runs. Jerin then dismissed the dangerous Sharafuddeen in his next over, sealing the victory for Kochi. Vijay Viswanathan’s unbeaten innings of 23 runs helped Kollam’s total cross the 100-run mark. In the end, Kollam’s innings concluded at 106, giving Kochi a 75-run victory and the championship title. P.S. Jerin was the star of Kochi’s bowling attack, taking three wickets for just 21 runs in four overs. The performance of captain Saly Samson was also crucial to Kochi’s victory, as he took two wickets and held on to three spectacular catches. K.M. Asif and Mohammed Ashiq also picked up two wickets each.
“This victory is the result of the collective effort of our Kochi Blue Tigers, strengthened by the unwavering support of our teammates. Their dedication transformed hard work into miracles on the field for creating cricketing magic is the true essence of the Blue Tigers’ strategy.” Said Kochi Blue Tigers’ owner Subhash Manuel.
Dhoni App, Single.id, Royal Enfield, Chef Pillai – RCP group, Red Porch Nest Builders and Developers, Cochin Duty Free (CIAL) and Bee innovations were the proud sponsors of the team, extending their unconditional support throughout the KCL Season 2.
During the awards ceremony, the KCA President Jayesh George and Secretary Vinod S. Kumar presented the champions’ trophy and a cheque for ₹30 lakh to the Kochi Blue Tigers.
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