KCL 2026: Thrissur Titans win maiden Title beating Calicut Globstars; Full List of Award Winners, Stats

Thrissur Titans capped off their Kerala Cricket League campaign in style, defeating Calicut Globstars by four wickets in a thrilling final to lift ...

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Thrissur Titans capped off their Kerala Cricket League campaign in style, defeating Calicut Globstars by four wickets in a thrilling final to lift the KCL trophy.

Chasing 168 for victory, Thrissur held their nerve to reach 169 for six in 19.3 overs, with three deliveries still remaining. Ahammed Imran's attacking half-century and a composed finishing effort from captain M.S. Akhil proved decisive as Thrissur completed a memorable chase.

Imran was named Player of the Match for his match-winning 69, while Alappuzha Ripples' Mohammed Azharuddeen walked away with the Player of the Tournament award after an outstanding campaign.

Rohan's early charge, Calicut lose momentum

Calicut opted to bat first after winning the toss, with captain Rohan Kunnummal immediately looking to put pressure on the Thrissur

attack.

Rohan smashed 15 runs from the second over, including a six and two fours, but his aggressive approach did not last long. Anand Joseph removed Varun Nayanar for two before Rohan himself departed for 21 off 17 balls.

Calicut needed a partnership to rebuild, and Akhil Scaria and Ashwin Anand delivered. The pair added 73 runs from 49 deliveries for the third wicket, taking the score into a strong position.

Scaria fell for 45 to Biju Narayanan, while Ashwin followed soon after for 40. At 144 for four, Calicut appeared set for a substantial total.

However, Thrissur's bowlers produced an excellent finish. They tightened their lines and prevented Calicut's lower order from launching a late assault.

Salman Nizar scored 16, Abdul Basith 14 and Krishnadev seven, leaving Calicut at 167 for nine after 20 overs. Abdul Ramees led the Thrissur attack with three wickets, while Anand Joseph and Sharathchandra Prasad picked up two each.

Imran-Sanjeev partnership changes the final

Thrissur's chase began poorly when Vishnuraj, after hitting two boundaries, was dismissed for eight by Akhil Sathar in the opening over. K.R. Rohith added 18 before departing in the fourth over, leaving Thrissur needing a significant partnership to get back on track.

That partnership came through Ahammed Imran and Sanjeev Satheesan. The duo combined smart shot selection with aggressive strokeplay to take the game away from Calicut. Their 87-run partnership transformed the chase and put Thrissur in control.

Calicut eventually found a breakthrough in the 16th over when Jose Perayil dismissed both batters. Imran's 69 came from just 49 balls and included seven fours and two sixes, while Sanjeev scored 29.

Despite losing two more wickets in the closing stages, Thrissur remained ahead of the required rate. Nikhil Thottath scored 14 and Mohammed Inan made eight before being dismissed.

With the pressure mounting, captain M.S. Akhil stepped up. He remained unbeaten on 19 from 11 balls and ensured there was no late twist, taking Thrissur across the finish line with three balls to spare. Calicut's Ibnul Aftab and Jose Perayil finished with two wickets apiece.