Bengal Tigers vs Kerala Strikers Live Score & Updates, CCL 2026: The Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2026 has reached its most exciting stage, with the knockout phase set to kick off with a blockbuster semi-final clash between Bengal Tigers and Kerala Strikers on Saturday, January 31. With a spot in the grand final at stake, both sides will walk in knowing there's no room for error.
The 2026 edition has been competitive throughout, and the top four teams qualified for the playoffs based on their standings in the points table. Bengal Tigers finished second, just behind table-toppers Karnataka Bulldozers, while Kerala Strikers secured the third position. As part of a double-header Saturday, this first semi-final promises plenty of drama, intensity
and star power.
Bengal Tigers, led by Jisshu Sengupta, have arguably been the most consistent side of the tournament so far. They stormed into the semis with a flawless group-stage record, winning all three of their matches. Bengal's balanced unit, combining disciplined bowling with reliable batting, has given them an edge throughout the league phase. They will also draw confidence from their earlier group-stage encounter against Kerala, where they registered a 13-run victory.
On the other hand, Kerala Strikers, captained by Unni Mukundan, are a team that thrives under pressure. Winning two out of three group matches, Kerala showed resilience and the ability to bounce back after setbacks. While they fell short against Bengal earlier in the tournament, the Strikers will take heart from the fact that knockout games are a different beast altogether. A strong all-round performance on the day could tilt the balance in their favour.
Form and momentum slightly favour Bengal, but Kerala's hunger to avenge their group-stage loss adds an intriguing subplot to this semi-final. With both teams eyeing a place in the final, fans can expect a closely fought contest.
