Thu Sep 19 07:07:56 UTC 2024: ## Kolla Triumphs in a Thrilling Final to Clinch Inaugural Kerala Cricket League Title
**Thiruvananthapuram:** Kolla emerged victorious in a nail-biting final match against Calicut, claiming the first-ever Kerala Cricket League title. Kolla chased down a daunting target of 214 runs set by Calicut, achieving victory with four wickets remaining in the 19.1 overs.
Captain Sachin Baby led the charge with a magnificent century, remaining unbeaten on 105 runs off 54 balls, earning him the Man of the Match award. Kolla’s dominance was evident throughout the league, topping the table during the league phase and carrying that momentum into the finals.
The match saw a flurry of early wickets, with Arun Paulose dismissed for 29 by Akhil Dev and opener Abhishek Nair scoring a quick 25 off 16 balls. However, a crucial partnership between Sachin Baby and Vatsal Govind steadied the innings. Vatsal contributed 45 runs off 27 balls before being caught by Rohan Kunnummal off Akhil Scaria.
The arrival of Sharfudeen, who departed quickly for just two runs, threatened to derail Kolla’s pursuit. But Sachin Baby’s relentless hitting kept them in the hunt. With 15 runs needed off the final 12 balls, Rahul Sharma sent the crowd into a frenzy with a six off Akhil Scaria’s 19th over, before Sachin Baby reached his century in the same over.
With five runs needed off the final six balls, Kolla’s victory was sealed in the 20th over. A wide delivery followed by a boundary from Sachin Baby secured a thrilling six-wicket victory for Kolla.
Earlier, Calicut, batting first, set a formidable target of 213 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Omar Aboobacker was dismissed early for 10 runs, but Calicut captain Rohan S. Kunnummal and Akhil Scaria combined to accelerate the innings. Rohan scored 51 off 26 balls before being dismissed, while Akhil registered a half-century, scoring 50 off 30 balls.
M. Ajinas also contributed a half-century, smashing 56 runs off 24 balls, including four sixes, before Salman Nisar added 24 runs to the total. Pallom Anfal remained unbeaten on 13 off seven balls.
For Kolla, Sudesh Mithun claimed two wickets, while Pawan Raj and Basil N.P. took one wicket each.
First Piper 