Kerala’s star batter Sanju Samson produced a whirlwind century to script Kochi Blue Tigers’ last-ball victory against Aries Kollam Sailors at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Chasing a mammoth 237-run target in the Kerala Cricket League, Samson’s 121 off 51 balls turned the match into a spectacle and sent a strong reminder ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Samson’s Explosive Knock in Thiruvananthapuram
After a slow outing the previous day, scoring just 13 off 22 balls at number six, Sanju Samson was pushed down the order again. But this time, the 30-year-old wasted no time in making an impact. He struck two fours and a six in the opening over and stormed to a record 50 in just 16 balls, the fastest fifty of the tournament.
The packed crowd of 11,000 witnessed Samson’s fireworks as he hammered 14 fours and seven sixes. He reached his hundred in only 42 deliveries and finished with a spectacular 121. Though wickets tumbled around him, Samson’s knock gave Kochi the momentum in the chase.
Last-Ball Finish by Mohammed Ashique
With the match hanging in the balance, rookie Mohammed Ashique sealed the deal for Kochi. Requiring six runs off the final ball, Ashique smashed a maximum to complete a famous victory. Samson’s heroics and Ashique’s calm finish ensured Kollam’s dominance was cut short in dramatic fashion.
Samson’s Message for Kerala Cricket
Collecting the Player of the Match award, Sanju Samson addressed the crowd:
“It’s not easy to lose a game in front of your home crowd. So I thank all the people who turned up in huge numbers.”
He admitted that he was still adapting to his younger teammates but expressed surprise at the depth of talent in Kerala cricket.
“To be very honest, I’m not much aware of the boys. But as much as I’m spending time with them, I’m getting very excited. Very exciting talent in the team. It’s a bit shocking to see we have so much talent in Kerala cricket. I request that we have to put in some special eyes in the local games going on, especially all the players. In the next one or two years, we should see one more guy playing for the country. And I can see that happening. With this talent, I don’t think that we are much far away,” said Samson.
Asia Cup 2025 Bid Under Spotlight
Since 2024, Sanju Samson has been a standout T20I opener for India, smashing three centuries in just five innings against Bangladesh and South Africa. He finished last year with 436 runs in 12 innings at an average of 43.60 and a strike rate of 180.16.
However, ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai starting September 10, his opening spot remains uncertain. With Shubman Gill named vice-captain and the inclusion of Abhishek Sharma, India’s team management may consider reshuffling the batting order.
Samson’s latest knock, though, has reignited the debate and sent a clear message that he remains a top contender.
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