Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy: Debutant Abdul Bazith steers Kerala to victory over Haryana

Kerala in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy tournament in Mohali. If it was Vaisakh Chandran who stole the show with a four-wicket haul against Karnataka the other day, it was the turn of another newcomer Abdul Bazith to star in Kerala’s three-wicket win over Haryana at the IS Bindra stadium in Mohali, Punjab, on Friday. Chasing a modest total of 132 for a win, Kerala seemed to be making heavy weather of their chase when they collapsed from 52 without loss to 90 for six in the 15th over.

Though Rohan Kunnummal (26) and Vishnu Vinod (25) produced a sparkling half-century stand for the opening wicket, the Kerala middle-order caved in. Skipper Sanju Samson (3), Mohammed Azharuddeen (13), Sachin Baby (4) and impact player Krishna Prasad (9) all fell cheaply to leave the team in the doldrums. But that’s when 24-year-old Bazith took charge.

Bazith, who had claimed a wicket with his first ball in List A cricket earlier when Haryana batted, produced an unbeaten cameo of 27 from 15 balls to steer Kerala to victory. Though he lost partner Sijomon Joseph (13) after coming to the crease, the Ernakulam lad smashed three fours and a six in his power-packed knock to help his side overhaul the Haryana target with an over to spare. For Haryana, Rahul Tewatia captured three wickets.

Earlier, Kerala bowlers chipped away at the Haryana wickets to push the rivals on the backfoot. It was a late charge from Jayant Yadav (39 off 25) and SP Kumar (30 not out off 23 balls) that eventually took Haryana to a par score of 131 for seven in 20 overs. For Kerala, all the six frontline bowlers used by skipper Samson claimed a wicket apiece.