THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a thrilling encounter in the Kerala Cricket League on Monday, the Calicut Globstars emerged victorious against the Alleppey Ripples, winning by six wickets. After winning the toss, Calicut opted to field first, sending Alleppey in to bat. The Alleppey Ripples managed to score 144 runs for the loss of eight wickets over their allotted 20 overs.

Calicut’s innings commenced with a clear target of 145 runs. Their chase was powered by a stellar performance from Sanjay Raj, who remained unbeaten with an impressive 75 runs off 48 balls. His innings featured two towering sixes and nine elegant boundaries. Despite losing early wickets, with Ajinas falling for just two runs, Omar Abubakar failing to score, and Rahan Sai contributing 14 runs, Calicut’s momentum was maintained. Liston Augustine provided substantial support with a brisk 38 runs off 21 balls, including two sixes and four fours. The match reached its climax when Salman Nisar hit a decisive six on the last ball of the 16th over, securing victory for Calicut. Sanjay Raj (75) and Salman Nisar (12) remained not out as they steered their team to triumph.

The Alleppey Ripples had a rocky start to their innings. Opener P. Antaf was dismissed after scoring just one run in three balls. Captain Muhammad Azharuddin managed only 15 runs before being sent back to the pavilion, while Vinoop Manoharan added six runs to the total. Alleppey found themselves in a precarious position at 29 for three. However, TK Akshay’s resilient half-century played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. Akshay scored 57 runs off 45 balls, hitting two sixes and five boundaries. Asifali’s steady knock of 27 runs from 27 balls helped fortify the partnership, pushing the team’s total to a respectable 144.

Despite their efforts, Alleppey’s run rate slowed significantly as Vaishakh Chandran (three), Ujjwal Krishna (nil), and Atul Diamond (12) were dismissed swiftly. The innings concluded with Alleppey posting 144 runs for eight wickets at the end of their 20 overs.

With this victory, the Calicut Globstars secured their place in the semifinals alongside Aries Kollam Sailors, Adani Trivandrum Royals, and Phineas Thrissur Titans, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Kerala Cricket League.