Samson fireworks on opening night of KCL-2, but it wasn't from Sanju's bat

The Kerala Cricket League (KCL) witnessed a Samson show on the opening night, but it wasn't Sanju. The India batter's elder brother, Saly, stole the show with an unbeaten 50 off 30 as Kochi Blue Tigers defeated Trivandrum Royals by eight wickets at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.

Chasing a modest total of 97, the Blue Tigers got the winning runs in 11.5 overs with Mohammed Shanu unbeaten on 22. Sanju did not bat, though he was padded up.

Also Read 2 sixes, 1 ball remaining, 1 wicket win: Sailors edge Globstars in thrilling KCL-2 opener Kochi Blue Tigers' captain Saly Samson bats against Trivandrum Royals in the Kerala Cricket League at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on August 21, 2025. Photo: KCA

Saly, who captains the Blue Tigers, hit three sixes and five boundaries. He also bowled two tidy overs, giving away just eight runs. Akhin Sathar bagged 3/13 from his four overs that included a maiden, while Muhammad Ashik bagged 3/14 from 3 overs for the Blue Tigers coached by former Kerala captain Raiphi Vincent Gomez.

For the Royals, Abijith Praveen top-scored with 28 off 32, while former IPL player Basil Thampi added a handy 20.

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Sanju was making his debut in the KCL, having missed the inaugural edition last season. His availability for the entire tournament is in doubt after being picked in India's 15-member squad for the Asia Cup beginning September 9 in the UAE.

Earlier, in the tournament opener, defending champions Kollam Sailors, led by Sachin Baby, defeated Calicut Globstars by one wicket with a ball to spare.

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Brief scores: Trivandrum Royals 97 in 20 overs (Abijith Praveen 28, Basil Thampi 20, Akhin Sathar 3/13, Muhammad Ashik 3/14) lost to Kochi Blue Tigers 99/2 in 11.5 overs (Saly Samson 50 not out)

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