Baba Aparajith's century, Eden Apple Tom's last-ball six help Kerala clinch thrilling win against Rajasthan in Vijay Hazare Trophy

AHMEDABAD: Kerala produced a spirited performance to register a thrilling victory over Rajasthan in a match that went down to the final ball in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Gujarat College Ground here.

Rajasthan won the toss and opted to bat, scoring 343 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. Kerala chased down the target in dramatic fashion, sealing a two-wicket win on the last ball of the match with a brilliant six from Eden Apple Tom.

Baba Aparajith, who scored a fine century and also claimed a wicket, was named Player of the Match. Rajasthan openers Aditya Rathore (25) and Ram Chauhan (15) fell early. At No. 3, Karan Lamba played a key innings, scoring 119 off 131 balls. Former India all-rounder Deepak Hooda added a valuable 86 off 83 balls, hitting six sixes and three fours. Lamba’s knock included six fours and four sixes. No other Rajasthan batter reached a half-century.

For Kerala, Sharafudheen was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for 55 runs. Baba Aparajith, Eden Apple Tom, M D Nidheesh and Ankit Sharma picked up one wicket each.

In the chase, Kerala suffered an early setback as captain Rohan Kunnummal was dismissed on the first ball. Opener Krishnaprasad and Baba Aparajith then steadied the innings with a solid partnership. Krishnaprasad was out for 53 when the score reached 155. Baba Aparajith continued to anchor the innings alongside Vishnu Vinod (28). Azharuddeen (28), Sharafudheen (11), Salman Nizar (18) and Ankit Sharma (27) also made useful contributions.

Eden Apple Tom’s late assault turned the match in Kerala’s favour. He remained unbeaten on 40 off just 18 balls, smashing five sixes and a four. MD Nidheesh stayed not out on two as Kerala crossed the finish line on the final delivery.