Samson and Rohan Shine as Kerala Triumphs Over Jharkhand; Rajasthan Upsets Tamil Nadu

While Jharkhand’s batting lineup often impresses, their bowling can sometimes fall short, as demonstrated by Kerala’s opening batsmen Rohan Kunnummal and Sanju Samson. With remarkable centuries — Kunnummal scoring 124 off 78 balls (8 fours, 11 sixes) and Samson contributing 101 off 95 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) — they led Kerala to an eight-wicket victory over Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Group A Elite match at the ADSA Railways cricket ground in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

Kerala chased down the target of 312 with ease, thanks to an explosive start from Rohan and Samson who amassed a 212-run partnership for the first wicket. Following their departure, B. Aparajith (41 not out) and Vishnu Vinod (40 not out) wrapped up the match in the 43rd over.

The commanding centuries from Kunnummal and Samson overshadowed a skilful innings from Kumar Kushagra, who scored an unbeaten 143 off 137 balls (8 fours, 7 sixes). Kushagra, alongside Anukul Roy who made 72 off 72 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes), formed a crucial 176-run partnership for the fifth wicket, lifting Jharkhand from 111 for four in the 21st over to a challenging total of 311.

However, the dynamic start by Kunnummal and Samson during the powerplay effectively decided the contest. Kunnummal set the pace, hitting boundaries and sixes against the medium pacers, while Samson, after a cautious beginning, found his rhythm against the spinners in the middle overs, making the chase seem effortless.

ALSO READ | India squad for New Zealand ODI series: Gill back as captain, Pant retains spot

Tamil Nadu faced a dramatic collapse against Rajasthan, marking their fourth defeat of the tournament. Chasing a modest 226, Tamil Nadu appeared comfortable as openers S.R. Athish (54) and N. Jagadeesan (71) built a 121-run partnership. Nonetheless, the bowling efforts of medium pacer Ashok Sharma (five for 58) and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar (three for 44) rattled Tamil Nadu, reducing them to 190 for eight. Though Washington Sundar (36) and Varun Chakravarthy (6) formed a 25-run partnership for the ninth wicket providing a glimmer of hope, a strategic bowling change dismissed Varun, and Khaleel Ahmed secured a memorable victory for Rajasthan by dismissing Sundar.

Karnataka continued their dominant performance as the defending champions defeated Tripura by 80 runs. Devdutt Padikkal achieved another century, scoring 108 off 120 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes), and Abhinav Manohar added an unbeaten 73 off 40 balls (6 fours, 4 sixes), leading Karnataka to a total of 332 for seven. Tripura faltered early, falling to 59 for five, but managed to compile 252 largely thanks to a century from Swapnil Singh.

Published on Jan 03, 2026