KBT vs CGS, Preview | The invincible Tigers eye KCL 2025 final, set to face Calicut Globstars in second semi-final

ByUmesh Sharma,SportsCafe Editor

Yesterday at 5:13 PM

Kochi Blue Tigers and Calicut Globstars will face each other in the second semi-final of the ongoing Kerala Cricket League 2025. Both teams are coming off contrasting results in their respective previous games in the tournament’s league stage, which makes this an interesting clash for final.

Kochi Blue Tigers have been the most successful team in the tournament’s current edition so far, with eight wins and only two defeats in their 10 games. They are coming off a six-wicket win in their last league match against Aries Kollam Sailors, following four consecutive wins. The Tigers’ campaign started with a big eight-wicket win against Adani Trivandrum Royals, followed by a 34-run win against Alleppey Ripples. Later in their third game, they defeated the Aries Kollam Sailors by four wickets before facing two consecutive defeats. Now, they will aim to continue their winning streak and enter the tournament’s summit clash.

On the other hand, Calicut Globstars finished fourth in the tournament’s points table at the end of the league stage, with five wins and as many defeats in their 10 games. The Globstars are coming off a four-wicket defeat against Thrissur Titans in the tournament’s last league match. After going through a rollercoaster journey in the league stage, the Globstars will eye a spot in the final with a win in this game against the Tigers.

Form Guide

KBT: W W W W W

Kochi Blue Tigers are enjoying an amazing run of form, with five consecutive wins in their last five games in the tournament. Coming off an invincible winning streak, the Tigers will have a moral advantage over the Globstars in this game.

CGS: L W W L L

Calicut Globstars have won two games and lost three in their last five matches in the ongoing KCL 2025. They will aim to bounce back after two consecutive defeats in the previous two games.

KBT vs CGS Head-to-Head in T20S

Kochi Blue Tigers and Calicut Globstars have faced each other in four games across the KCL 2024 and KCL 2025. The Globstars have won three games, while KBT has won only one game. So, the Tigers will aim to make this scoreline 3-2 with a win in this game. On the other hand, the Globstars, who have dominated this head-to-head battle, will look forward to making this scoreline 4-1 with a win.

Pitch and Weather

The surface at the Greenfield International Stadium is known for its batting-friendly nature. There might be an early swing and movement in the first half under the lights. However, the chase is expected to be a bit comfortable here owing to the dew factor.

The weather is expected to be mostly cloudy with the temperatures hovering around 31 degrees Celsius. The precipitation level will be around 20 per cent, alongside the humidity level of 83 per cent. The match is expected to be played without any rain throughout the entire course of 40 overs.

Team News

Kochi Blue Tigers are coming off five consecutive wins in their last five fixtures, so it will be highly unlikely that they will make any change in their playing XI for this game. The Tigers might field their winning combination, with which they played in the last game.

On the other hand, the Globstars might make a change or two in their playing XI, considering two successive defeats in the last two games. They are expected to make a few changes in the middle order.

KBT Probable 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 Probable 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.