Cuba Kannur Squad Crush Chennai Thalaivas with Dominant Seven-Wicket Victory
- September 7, 2025
Cuba Kannur Squad made light work of a modest chase, overpowering PHI Chennai Thalaivas by seven wickets in the Tranquil Developers You Selects IPL 2025 (Exhibition) at DCS You Selects Arena 2. Abdul Rahman’s explosive half-century ensured Kannur wrapped up the contest inside 15 overs, highlighting the gulf between the two sides on the night.
Batting first, the Thalaivas never recovered from early pressure. Openers fell cheaply, with Umer Mir (7) trapped lbw by Asif Abdulla and Kiran Mohan dismissed for a duck by Bivin Vijayan. CTK Mashood (23 off 22) offered resistance with three sixes, but his dismissal left the middle order exposed. Contributions from Al Ameer Basheer (23 off 27) and Dhruva Praveen (11 off 17) gave slight stability, while wicketkeeper Rejee Mohan (11 not out) added runs at the end.
The story of the innings, however, was Kannur’s disciplined bowling. Bivin Vijayan (4-0-22-2) struck early, removing both openers, while Asif Abdulla (4-0-31-2) and Jishnu Sunil Kumar (4-0-12-1) tightened the screws. Despite conceding 17 wides, the bowlers never allowed momentum to shift, bowling out their opponents for a modest 117/8 in 20 overs.
Chasing 118, the Kannur batters looked in control throughout. Although Mohammed Nivas fell cheaply, caught for a duck, Abdul Rahman turned the contest one-sided. Blasting 57 from just 30 deliveries, he smashed seven fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 190. His aggressive approach took the game away from the Thalaivas within the powerplay.
He found support in Vishnu Sasi, who crafted a patient 34 not out from 29 balls, ensuring stability even as wickets fell at the other end. Together, they built a partnership that sealed the chase comfortably, finishing at 118/3 in 14.2 overs.
For the Thalaivas, CTK Mashood impressed with the ball, claiming 2/28 in four overs, including the wicket of Abdul Rahman. But the total they set was never enough, and the Kannur lineup made sure of that.
The result showcased Kannur’s depth and intent, with their batting firepower complementing a disciplined bowling unit. For Chennai, the lack of partnerships and an overreliance on brief cameos proved costly.
Star of the Match – Abdul Rahman
Cuba Kannur Squad
Rahman was unstoppable, smashing 57 runs off 30 balls with seven fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 190. His innings demolished the Thalaivas’ bowling attack and ensured the target was chased down with ease.
Master Blaster – Vishnu Sasi
Cuba Kannur Squad
Vishnu Sasi played a composed knock of 34 not out from 29 balls, striking four boundaries and a six. His calm presence provided balance alongside Rahman’s fireworks, anchoring the chase until the finish.
Power Arm – CTK Mashood
PHI Chennai Thalaivas
Mashood impressed with both bat and ball. With the ball, he claimed 2/28 in four overs, removing Abdul Rahman and Sameer Koyanji. With the bat, he top-scored for Chennai with 23, making him the standout performer for his side.
Safe Hands – Dhruva Praveen
PHI Chennai Thalaivas
Praveen contributed with a safe catch to dismiss Mohammed Nivas for a duck. It was a sharp take that gave Chennai early hope, though his team ultimately couldn’t capitalize on the breakthrough.
“Our bowlers built pressure from ball one, and Abdul Rahman’s batting ensured a confident finish. The team is growing stronger.”
Vinu Vijayan
Captain – CUBA Kannur Squad
“Early wickets cost us momentum. We must stay composed and build partnerships if we are to challenge sides like Kannur.”
Bala
Captain – PHI Chennai Thalaivas
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