Rohan hits 121 off 60, Sanju plays support cast as Kerala crush Odisha by 10 wickets

Rohan S Kunnummal hit a powerful century and Sanju Samson played a modest supporting role as Kerala crushed Odisha by 10 wickets to start their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 campaign in style.

Kunnummal made 121 off just 60 balls, hitting 10 sixes and as many boundaries, at a strike rate of 201. His opening partner and skipper, Sanju, was unbeaten on 51 off 41. The India ace hit just one six, which was to complete his half-century and win the match in Lucknow on Wednesday.

Captain Biplab Samantaray's 53 had fueled the Odisha innings that ended at 176/7, but Kerala chased it down with 21 balls to spare. Earlier, pacer M D Nidheesh bagged 4/35, while Asif K M claimed 2/24.

Kerala have been struggling in the Ranji Trophy with no wins in five outings. But the southern state switched gears almost instantly in the T20s. Sanju's return to the side after missing the majority of the first-class season so far due to international commitments has galvanised Kerala.

Sanju recently made a high-profile switch in the IPL by joining the Chennai Super Kings from the Rajasthan Royals.

Brief scores: Odisha 176/7 in 20 overs (Biplab Samantaray 53, Sambit Baral 40, Gaurav Choudhary 29, MD Nidheesh 4/35, Asif KM 2/24) lost to Kerala 177/0 in 16.3 overs (Rohan S Kunnummal 121 not out, Sanju Samson 51 not out)