Wicketkeeper-Baator Sanju Samson hit a banging centenary for Kochi Blue Tigers during the 8th match of Kerala Cricket League in Thiruvananthapuram on 24 August. However, Muhammad Aashiq stole the show with six to six for the final delivery, which helped win four times over the cololem sailors.
Kochi Blue Tigers won the third consecutive win to top the KCL 2025 table. Meanwhile, Aries Kollam sailors have been ranked fourth with just one win from three outings. The team led by Sanju Samson will play their next match against Thrissur Titans in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, August 26.
Muhammad Aashiq Wins Record Run Chase with Seal Final-Ball Six
Kochi Blue Tigers needed 17 runs in the last over, chasing the target of 237 runs. Muhammad Aashiq broke the first two delivery for one four and six, but bowler Sharafudin scored only one run in the next three balls, while also impressed one run-out.
cricketballgame.com
Kochi needed six from the last delivery, Aashiq grabbed his nerve and hit down the ground directly to seal the victory. He remained unbeaten on 45 balls off 18 balls with the help of three fours and five sixes. Blue Tigers completed the most run chase in the history of Kerala Cricket League.
The official account of the league was taken to share the clip of the last ball six in the run chase to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Watch the video of the same on the X (East is known as Twitter):
From the jaw of defeat to the roar of victory!
Kochi Blue Tigers Federal Bank chases the highest in the history of the Kerala Cricket League, and they seal it with six from Muhammad Aashiq with six! Sanju Samson burnt 51 with a bang 121 at night pic.twitter.com/nytskqwkkk8
– Kerala Cricket League (@KCL_T20) August 24, 2025
Sanju Samson Instrumental in the run chase of Kochi Blue Tigers
Earlier, Sanju Samson scored 121 runs off just 51 balls, including 14 boundaries and seven sixes. He made a slow start in the tournament, but bounced back with fifty in just 16 balls. In particular, this was the fastest of this version as Kochi reached 100 runs inside the powerplay.
The right-handed batsman added an important 89-run stand with Muhammad Shanu (39). When the team was on 206 runs, Samson captured the first ball of the penaltimet, but kept their knock firmly in the hunt.
There has been a debate about his batting role for India. With Shubman Gill’s return to the format, Samson may be pushed down the order in T20I. However, as a opener, his century has once again strengthened his case on the top of the Asia Cup.
Losing a game is not easy – Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson thanked the fans of the house for his strong support in the name of the Player of the Match. Samson admitted that it was difficult to play under pressure in front of him. He said that he is still familiar with his small colleagues.
Samson said, “It is not easy to lose a game in front of your house crowd. So I thank all those who have changed in large numbers.”
“To be very honest, I don’t know much about boys. But I am very excited as much as I am spending time. Very exciting talent in the team. It is a bit shocking to see that we have so much talent in Kerala cricket.”
“I request that we have to keep some special eyes in local sports, especially all the players. In the next one or two years, we should see another man playing for the country. And I am happening. With this talent, I don’t think we are far away.”
Also Read: Mohammad Rizwan, Shaan Masood sacked: Pakistan to declare new ODI, Test Captain ahead of Asia Cup 2025
