Sanju Samson’s 46-ball 89 in vain as Titans steal victory off last ball

Sanju Samson's fireworks (89 off 46) went in vain as Thrissur Titans secured victory with a last-ball boundary in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL-2) at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

Until a replay confirmed that the fielder's foot had touched the rope, the Blue Tigers thought they had stolen a 1-run win. But soon after, it was the Titans camp that was celebrating a 5-wicket win.

Two days ago, the Blue Tigers had produced a last-ball six to beat defending champions Kollam Sailors, but today they learnt what it meant to be on the losing side of a thriller.

Ahammed Imran's 40-ball 72 set the foundation for a 189-run chase, before Sijomon (42* off 23 balls) and Arjun A K (31* off 16) took control.

Earlier, Sanju smashed nine sixes and four boundaries at a strike rate of 193 as the Blue Tigers, who were unbeaten at that point, posted 188/7. But Sanju wasn't the only one who caught the attention as Ajinas K claimed a fifer, including the first hat-trick of the KCL season.

Ajinas removed Sanju in the second ball of his final over, just after being smashed for a six over deep mid-wicket. The left-arm spinner then dismissed Jerin P S and Muhammad Ashik in successive deliveries to claim his hat-trick and finish with 5/30.

Two days ago, Sanju smashed a masterful 121 off 51 balls as the Blue Tigers chased down a KCL-record total of 236/5 set by Kollam Sailors.

Against the Titans, Sanju was at his explosive best again, but he ran out of partners. Mohammed Shanu fell for 24, while Nikhil Thottath and skipper Saly Samson made 18 and 16 respectively. Alfi Francis remained unbeaten on 22.

Brief scores: Kochi Blue Tigers 188/7 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 89, Mohammed Shanu 24, Ajinas K 5/30) vs Thrissur Titans 189/5 in 20 overs (Ahammed Imran 72, Sijomon Joseph 42 not out, Arjun AK 31 not out, Jerin PS 2/17)