Thiruvananthapuram: Kochi Blue Tigers won their second consecutive victory in the Kerala Cricket League by ‘arresting’ Sharafuddin, who attacked him with the ball and bat on the twenty-two-yard pitch. Thambi Annan and Piller made the incident colorful by defeating Aries Kollam Sailors by 18 runs, who were unbeaten in the tournament.

Batting first, Kochi scored 147 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the stipulated 20 overs, while Kollam, who came out with the bat in reply, could only score 129 runs in 18.1 overs. NM scored 49 runs off 24 balls when he came in ninth. Only Sharafuddin was able to keep Kochi’s bowling rate in front.

Basil Thambi, the Kochi captain who got lucky with the toss, chose to bat. Anand Krishnan and Jobin Joy scored 90 runs from 60 balls for the second wicket. At 117 runs in 13.4 overs, Anand Krishnan was bowled out by NP. K.M. Sharafuddin broke this alliance. Anand’s contribution was 54 runs off 34 balls accompanied by five sixes and two fours.

Kochi managed to score only 30 runs in the last 38 balls for the loss of seven wickets. Jobin Joy’s half-century (51) gave Kochi a respectable score. KM took four wickets after conceding 23 runs in four overs. Asif also conceded 19 runs in four overs and NM took three wickets. Sharafuddin also stopped Kochi’s chariot race.

Kollam, who came out with the bat dreaming of their fourth win in the tournament, gave Kochi a job in the first four overs. Abhishek Nair (two), Arun Paulus (two), captain Sachin Baby (two), wicketkeeper A.K. Arjun (three) returned within the first five overs and Kollam were four for 14. Vatsal Govind (23) and Mohammad Shanu (20) fought hard but Kochi continued to hold on.

N.M. was in the ninth place at the point where defeat was confirmed at the rate of 79 runs for eight wickets. Sharufuddin comes to the crease. After that, Sharafuddin, who beat Kochi’s bowlers, single-handedly dismissed Kollam. Today Thrissur Titans will face Kochi Blue Tigers and Trivandrum Royals Aries Kollam.