Ranji Trophy | Thampi’s late burst gives Kerala first outright win of the season

Basil Thampi's late heroics secure Kerala's first win in the Ranji Trophy cricket tournament against Bengal.

 A late shot of adrenaline by Basil Thampi gave Kerala its first win of the season in the Ranji Trophy cricket tournament at the St. Xavier’s College ground here on Monday. Banished to patrol the ropes for a major part of the day, Thampi was summoned by captain Sanju Samson to bowl only after tea.

Chasing a mammoth target of 449, the Bengal lower-order, led by Shahbaz Ahmed frustrated Kerala in the post lunch session.

The seventh-wicket stand between Shahbaz Ahmed (80) and Karan Lal (40) added 83 quick runs and treated the Kerala spinners with disdain which forced Samson to turn to his medium-pacer.

Thampi responded in style by breaching the defence of Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal (13) and in the next over ran out Akash Deep (1) with a brilliant pick up and throw from mid-on.

A pumped up Thampi then wrapped up the Bengal innings when he had Shahbaz Ahmed skying a catch to Rohan Kunnummal at deep square-leg. With 16 deliveries Thampi ended Bengal’s spirited chase from Bengal to give Kerala a 109-run win.

Until Shahbaz and Karan joined forces, Kerala held the upper hand with spinners striking at regular intervals, reducing Bengal to 234 for six.

Jalaj Saxena, despite bowling with a swollen finger, was relentless and picked up wickets whenever the batters went after him. He finished with match figures of 13 for 172.