Samson, Asif Lead Kerala to First Win Over Unbeaten Mumbai

Kerala handed Mumbai their first defeat of the season with a well-earned 15-run victory in Lucknow, driven by strong performances from Sanju Samson, Sharafuddeen, and KM Asif.

Samson Sets the Platform

Opening the innings once again this season, Samson provided Kerala with early momentum through a brisk 46 off 28 balls. The Kerala captain has now accumulated 160 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 141.59. While Vishnu Vinod struggled to accelerate despite staying unbeaten on 43 off 40 balls, Sharafuddeen’s late flourish — an explosive 35 not out off just 15 deliveries — powered Kerala to a competitive 178 for 5.

Early Breakthrough, but Mumbai Fight Back

Sharafuddeen made an impact with the ball immediately, dismissing Ayush Mhatre in the first over of Mumbai’s chase. However, Ajinkya Rahane counterattacked with a quick-fire 32 off 18 balls, giving Mumbai a strong start. Sarfaraz Khan, fresh off his maiden T20 century, continued his excellent form with a measured 52 off 40.

When Sarfaraz fell, Mumbai needed 80 runs from eight overs, but the presence of Suryakumar Yadav kept them in the hunt. Despite Shivam Dube falling cheaply, Suryakumar’s calculated strokeplay reduced the target to 31 runs from the final three overs.

Asif’s Game-Changing Over

The match turned decisively in Kerala’s favour when KM Asif delivered a stunning 18th over, taking three wickets — including the crucial scalp of Suryakumar Yadav for 32 off 25 balls. Mumbai suddenly found themselves needing 18 off the final over with only two wickets in hand.

Asif wasted no time. He struck twice more, completing his five-wicket haul and bundling out Mumbai within four deliveries of the last over to seal a memorable win for Kerala.

The result gives Kerala a major morale boost while bringing Mumbai’s unbeaten run to an abrupt end.