Sanju smashes ton as Kochi Blue Tigers chase down record KCL score with last-ball six

Sanju Samson hit a brilliant century as Kochi Blue Tigers chased down a massive 236/5 set by defending champions Kollam Sailors, the highest total in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL).

Muhammad Ashik hit a last-ball six off Sharafuddeen to script the closest of finishes in KCL. Sanju hit a masterful 121 off just 51 balls, clubbing seven sixes and 14 boundaries, but could not stay till the end as he fell with the team requiring 31.

Sanju's untimely wicket meant the Blue Tigers had to dig deep and find another hero. Ashik (45*) turned out to be the one as they required 16 off the last over. He hit a boundary and a six off the first two balls, but a series of dot balls meant a six was needed off the last ball.

Earlier, captain Sachin Baby (91) and opener Vishnu Vinod (94) had fired the Sailors to the massive total, hitting 16 sixes between them. But their efforts went in vain as the Blue Tigers jumped to the top of the points with three wins in three.

Sanju did not bat in the Blue Tigers' season opener but came down the order in the second match, only to make a modest 13 off 22. However, faced with a record chase, the India ace returned to his preferred opener role and hasn't disappointed.

Sanju, who captains Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, was not part of the first season of KCL. The Blue Tigers roped in Sanju for a record ₹26.8 lakh in the auction ahead of the second season.

Sanju’s availability for the remainder of the T20 event is in doubt due to the Asia Cup. The KCL will run till September 7, while the Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Brief scores: Kollam Sailors 236/5 in 20 overs (Vishnu Vinod 94, Sachin Baby 91, Jerin PS 2/26) lost to Kochi Blue Tigers 237/6 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 121, Muhammad Ashik 45 not out, Muhammed Shanu 39)