KOCHI: Mohammed Azharuddeen struck form at the right time while Sanju Samson continued his consistent run to help Kerala thrash Himachal Pradesh by eight wickets in the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament at the Airforce Complex ground, Palam in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The win ensured Kerala a quarterfinal date with Tamil Nadu on Thursday.
Chasing a modest target of 146 for a win, Kerala never looked troubled in their chase as wicketkeeper batsman Azharuddeen wriggled out of his bad run with a timely half-century. He put on 32 for the first wicket with opening partner Rohan Kunnumal (22) before forging a match-winning 98-run stand for the second wicket with Sanju.
Azharuddeen took his time to settle down but brought up his fifty in 45 balls. Sanju continued to put the rival bowlers to the sword and it looked as if the two would take Kerala to victory.
But Azhar perished with Kerala requiring just 14 for a win after a well-made 60 (57 balls, 4x4, 2x6). Sanju remained unconquered on 52 (39 balls, 6x4, 1x6) and took Kerala to victory in the company of Sachin Baby (10 not out) with three balls to spare.
Earlier, Sanju opted to field after winning the toss. Despite a 52-ball 65 from opener Raghav Dhawan, Kerala managed to restrict Himachal to 145 for six in 20 overs. Midhun S (2/26) was the pick of the Kerala bowlers.
Brief scores: Himachal 145/6 in 20 overs (Raghav Dhawan 65, PS Chopra 36, Midhun S 2/26) lost to Kerala 147/2 in 19.3 overs ( Mohammed Azharuddeen 60, Sanju Samson 52*)
