AI Simulation, KBT vs CGS । Saly Samson leads Tigers to KCL 2025 final with five-wicket win over Globstars

Pitch and Weather

The Greenfield pitch looked like a typical semi-final surface—true bounce with some early grip for spinners.

The weather was humid but clear, with dew expected in the second innings.

Toss

Calicut Globstars won the toss and elected to bat first.

Lineups

KBT XI: Saly Samson(c), Muhammed Shanu, Nikhil Thottath(w), Ajeesh K, Jobin Joby, Alfi Francis John, Muhammad Ashik, Jishnu A, Jerin PS, Pathirikattu Midhun, Anoop G.

CGS XI:  Ameersha SN, Rohan Kunnummal, Maruthungal Ajinas, Akhil Scaria(c), Preethish Pawan, Pallam Muhammed Anfal, Suresh Sachin(w), Krishna Devan, Sudhesan Midhun, Abhiram S, Akhil Dev.

Match Report

After opting to bat first, the Globstars faced an early blow in the fourth over, losing Ameersha SN (15). Following this, Rohan Kunnummal and Maruthungal Aijnas stitched a 25-run partnership for the second wicket before the latter was dismissed on the first ball of the eighth over. After two dismissals, Kunnumal and skipper Akhil Scaria added crucial 41 runs for the third wicket. This partnership came to an end when Pathirikattu dismissed Rohan Kunnummal on the third ball of the 13th over, at the individual score of 52 runs off 38 balls, with six fours and a six. Later, Scaria’s 33 (22) and Pallam M Anfal’s (10) contributions helped the Globstars post 162/8 in 20 overs. Pathirikattu Midhun, Jishnu A, and Jerin PS scalped two wickets each for their side in the first innings.

The Kochi Blue Tigers were off to a good start with Muhammad Shanu’s hitting approach as he smashed three fours and a six to score 21 runs off 16 balls, before getting dismissed at the team score of just 29 runs in 3.4 overs. However, skipper Saly Samson and wicketkeeper-batter Nikhil Thottah stitched a game-defining partnership of 52 runs for the second wicket. Samson played a brilliant knock of 47 runs off 34 balls, with six fours and a six. He also had brilliant support from Thottah, who managed to hit important boundaries at regular intervals. Sudhesan Midhun broke this partnership, dismissing Samson in the 10th over as the latter misjudged a good length delivery, which took the leading edge before going into the hands of the keeper. Furthermore, Thottah went on to score 35 (27), with four fours and a six. The late contributions of Ajeesh K (19) and Alfi Francis John (20*) helped the Tigers chase down the target comfortably in 19.1 overs, scoring 166/5. With this win, the Tigers have made it to the final of the ongoing KCL 2025.

Player of the Match

Kochi Blue Tigers’ Saly Samson won the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his match-winning knock of 47 runs off 34 balls, during which he smashed six fours and a six. Besides this, his 52-run partnership with Nikhil Thottah set a tone for the Tigers’ successful run chase.  

Scorecard