Mumbai’s Collapse Hands Kerala a Dramatic Victory in SMAT 2025-26

Mumbai’s renowned batting lineup faced a surprising collapse, leading to a 15-run defeat against Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B ground in Lucknow on Thursday. Despite being in a strong position, needing only 49 runs from the final five overs with six wickets remaining, Mumbai was dismissed for 163. Pacer K.M. Asif played a key role in their downfall, securing five wickets. Kerala’s bowlers and fielders maintained their composure, while Mumbai struggled under pressure.

Asif swung the game decisively in Kerala’s favor with a three-wicket haul in a single over, just as Mumbai needed 31 runs from 18 deliveries. Sairaj Patil fell aiming for a big shot; Suryakumar Yadav, after executing only one of his iconic scoops, was caught at deep square-leg, and Mumbai’s captain Shardul Thakur was caught at mid-off, leaving Kerala on the edge of an impressive victory.

While M.D. Nidheesh and Asif ensured that Mumbai’s tailenders couldn’t manage the needed 28 runs off the last 12 balls, this win marked Kerala’s third consecutive triumph over Mumbai in the domestic T20 tournament.

Mumbai’s earlier stability came from an 80-run partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Sarfaraz Khan, following the early dismissal of Ayush Mhatre. Rahane efficiently focused on precision, whereas Sarfaraz cautiously reached a half-century from 37 balls. However, their quick dismissals following Vignesh Puthur’s and Rohan Kunnummal’s efforts, combined with Sanju Samson’s sharp stumping of Shivam Dube, left Mumbai unable to recover.

Sanju Samson contributed significantly to Kerala’s innings with a 46 off 28 balls before his dismissal revealed a recurring pattern when trying to play the pull shot. Kerala’s innings were later bolstered by Sharafuddeen’s rapid 35 off 15 balls, essential in reaching a competitive total. Earlier, Vishnu Vinod’s 43 not out, despite cramps, provided stability amidst minor collapses in Kerala’s batting.

Scores:
– Kerala: 178/5 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 46, Vishnu Vinod 43 not out, Mohammed Azharuddeen 32, Sharafuddeen 35) defeated Mumbai: 163 in 19.4 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 32, Sarfaraz Khan 52, Suryakumar Yadav 32, K.M. Asif 5/24). Toss won by Kerala.
– In another game, Assam scored 175/7 in 20 overs (Abdul Ajij Kuraishi 57, Nihar Deka 52, Yash Thakur 3/36) and beat Vidarbha, who were all out for 117 in 17.5 overs (Dhruv Shorey 36, Mukhtar Hussain 3/36, Akash Sengupta 3/12). Toss won by Vidarbha.

Published on December 4, 2025.