Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: Kerala crush Odisha by 10 wickets after Rohan Kunnummal’s blazing century
Lucknow: Kerala opened their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 campaign with a commanding 10-wicket win over Odisha at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B here on Wednesday, chasing down 177 without losing a wicket.
Earlier, Odisha captain Biplab Samantaray handed T20 debut caps to Sourav Gouda, Badal Biswal and Vageesh Sharma before electing to bat first. The side put up a competitive 176/7 in 20 overs, built around strong contributions from senior players. Samantaray led from the front with a 53 off 41 balls, while Sambit S Baral added an impressive 40 off 32 balls.
Kerala’s bowlers were disciplined, with Nidheesh MD delivering the standout spell of the innings, claiming four wickets for 35. Asif KM supported him well, finishing with 2 for 24 from his four overs.
Chasing 177, Kerala produced a flawless batting display, reaching 177/0 in just 16.3 overs. Opener Rohan S Kunnummal was unstoppable, smashing a breathtaking 121 off 60 balls, featuring 10 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 201.67. At the other end, skipper Sanju Samson remained unbeaten on 51 off 41 balls, ensuring a completely dominant finish.
