Vathsal’s 93 propels Aries Kollam Sailors to six-wicket KCL victory

Vathsal Govind’s 93 off 53 balls guided Aries Kollam Sailors to a six-wicket win over Alleppey Ripples in the Kerala Cricket League at the Sports Hub Greenfield stadium on Tuesday. Sailors chased 187 and finished 187/4 in 17.4 overs, reaching the target with 14 balls to spare.

Alleppey Ripples had set a competitive 186 for three in their 20 overs, powered by Mohammed Azharuddeen’s unbeaten 100 off 51 balls and a 40 from Sachin Baby. Azharuddeen shared a 101-run partnership for the second wicket with Sachin Baby, was dropped multiple times (on 27, 29, 60 and 75) and collected 19 runs off M.D. Nidheesh’s final over to finish the innings.

Sailors started their reply poorly, losing Arun Polouse for a duck. Abhishek J. Nair and Vathsal rebuilt the chase, adding 96 for the second wicket in quick time; Abhishek completed a half-century before being dismissed shortly thereafter.

Vathsal combined traditional stroke-making with T20-specific shots such as the ramp and reverse sweep on his way to 93 (53b, 11x4, 3x6). He was dropped twice during his innings, on zero and on 67, and carried his side to victory, remaining unbeaten.

Ripples’ bowling returns included K. Ajinas with 2/45, while Vinil accounted for Arun Polouse’s wicket. M.D. Nidheesh conceded 19 in the last over, which bolstered Azharuddeen’s century in Ripples’ total.

Elsewhere in the league on Monday, Trivandrum Royals posted 185/6 in 20 overs with Sijomon Joseph 56 not out, Vishnu Vinod 32, Akshay Manohar 32 and Krishna Prasad 25; Karthik B. Nair took 3/21. Kochi Blue Tigers were restricted to 130/9 in response, with Karthik B. Nair V. 41 not out, Ajith 2/18 and Sijomon Joseph 2/20 among the notable contributors.

The victory was Aries Kollam Sailors’ second win in the Kerala Cricket League.