Saly Samson leads Kerala to T20 series triumph over Oman

Saly Samson leads Kerala to T20 series triumph over Oman Chairman’s XI. (Photo Source: Kerala Cricket Association)

Kerala clinched the T20 series against Oman Chairman’s XI with a commanding 43-run victory in the third and decisive match. Batting first, Kerala posted a competitive 190 for 5 in 20 overs, propelled by opener Vishnu Vinod’s magnificent unbeaten century. In reply, Oman Chairman’s XI struggled to keep up with the required run rate, finishing at 147 for 9.

After losing the opening match of the series in Oman, Kerala bounced back strongly to win the next two games and secure the series 2-1. Sent into bat, Kerala had a shaky start as opener Krishna Prasad fell for a duck on the second ball of the innings. The innings regained stability thanks to a crucial third-wicket partnership of 86 runs between Vinod and skipper Saly Samson. The Kerala captain, also the brother of senior India cricketer Sanju Samson, contributed 30 runs, while Vinod took charge, reaching his half-century in just 29 balls.

Kerala then suffered a brief middle-order collapse, with AK Arjun (5) and Akhil Skaria (1) departing cheaply. However, Vinod, along with Anfal, ensured a strong finish, pushing the total past 190. The final two overs were particularly explosive, producing 38 quick runs, with Vinod finishing unbeaten on 101 off 57 balls, including four boundaries and eight sixes. Anfal added a rapid 32 from just 13 deliveries. For Oman Chairman’s XI, Shakeel Ahmed stood out with two wickets.

Chasing 191, the Chairman’s XI began steadily, with Jatinder Singh (27) and Aamir Kaleem (25) putting on a 45-run opening partnership. However, once the breakthrough came, the innings struggled to maintain momentum. Hammad Mirza (21) and Vinayak Shukla (17) offered brief resistance, while Sikriya Islam struck a spirited 30 off 19 balls in the closing stages, but the target proved too steep.

Kerala’s bowlers were instrumental in controlling the chase. Skaria was the standout performer, taking 4 for 35 in his four-over spell, while Jerin P. S. supported with an excellent 3 for 23. The victory secured the three-match series 2-1 for Kerala. Captain Saly Samson, elder brother of Sanju Samson, led the side with aplomb and has continued his magnificent run in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), where he captained the Kochi Blue Tigers to a title win.