Akhil Scaria's all-around performance helps Calicut dominate Trivandrum Royals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Trivandrum Royals suffered another defeat in the second season of the Kerala Cricket League. Calicut Globstars defeated the Royals by seven wickets by surpassing the target of 174 runs with one over to spare. Akhil Scaria, who scored a half-century and took three wickets, turned crucial in Calicut’s win. This was the Royals' second defeat in three matches.

Chasing a target of 174 runs, Calicut lost captain Rohan Kunnumal first. Kunnumal, who scored 12 (6), was clean bowled by Vinil TS. They also lost the wickets of wicketkeeper Sachin Suresh 28 (32) and M Ajnath 5 (12) in a quick span.

Akhil Scaria 68* (32) and Salman Nisar 51* (34), who scored 106 runs in an unbroken fourth wicket partnership, led the team to victory. Ajith Vasudevan took two wickets and Vinil TS one wicket for the Royals.

Earlier, Royals, who batted first, mounted a good total, thanks to captain Krishna Prasad's half-century of 78 (54). Wicketkeeper Subin S 23 (12), Riya Basheer 13 (16) and Abdul Basit 24 (22) contributed to the score. Akhil Scaria took three wickets for Calicut, while Monu Krishna took two wickets and Manu Krishnan took one wicket.