Kochi, August 24 — Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson announced his return to form in style, smashing a breathtaking 121 runs off just 51 balls for the Kochi Blue Tigers in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2025. His innings helped the team chase down a massive 237-run target against Aries Kollam Sellers in a thrilling contest decided on the final delivery.
This knock comes less than two weeks before the Asia Cup 2025, where Samson is part of India’s 15-member squad.
A Dominant Display From Samson
Chasing 237, Samson walked out to open and immediately took charge. He punished every loose delivery, mixing elegant drives with brutal power-hitting. His half-century came off just 16 balls, and he raised his century in 42 deliveries.
By the time he departed in the 19th over, Samson had already turned the game around. His innings featured:
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Runs: 121
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Balls Faced: 51
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Strike Rate: 237.25
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Boundaries: 14 fours, 7 sixes
It was an innings full of authority and timing, a perfect blend of aggression and composure.
Match Went Down to the Wire
Even after Samson’s fireworks, the match was far from over. When he fell on the first ball of the 19th over, Kochi still needed runs to get across the line. That’s when Muhammad Ashiq took control.
Ashiq smashed an unbeaten 45 off 18 balls, clearing the ropes five times and hitting three fours. With one ball left and two runs required, Ashiq finished the job in style by launching a six over long-on, sealing a four-wicket win for the Kochi Blue Tigers.
Boost for Team India Before Asia Cup
The Asia Cup 2025 begins on September 9 in the UAE, and India will start their campaign against the UAE on September 10. Samson’s destructive innings come at the perfect time for the Indian camp.
With Suryakumar Yadav leading the squad and India looking to dominate in the shorter formats, Samson’s form adds significant depth to the middle order. For rival teams, this innings serves as a warning — Samson looks ready to play a big role in India’s Asia Cup campaign.
Key Highlights
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Sanju Samson scored 121 off 51 balls in KCL 2025
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Brought up his century in just 42 balls
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Kochi Blue Tigers chased 237 in a last-ball thriller
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Muhammad Ashiq’s unbeaten 45 sealed the win
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Huge confidence boost for India ahead of Asia Cup 2025
