Kerala Super Kings, opting to bat first after winning the toss, got off to a slightly shaky start before their talisman Abbas KT took center stage. The opener anchored the innings with a stunning 82 off 52 balls, smashing 10 fours and two sixes, blending timing and power to perfection. His calculated aggression dismantled Kannur’s bowling rhythm, while Abdul Rahman’s quickfire 41 off 25 added momentum in the middle overs. Faisal TK chipped in with a valuable 30, ensuring the Super Kings posted a competitive total of 165 for 9 in 20 overs, despite late stumbles caused by Bivin Vijayan and Syed Ashiq’s tidy spells. It was Abbas’ knock that turned the innings from solid to spectacular — a masterclass in controlled hitting under pressure.

In reply, Kannur’s chase began brightly but lost steam midway as Kerala’s bowlers tightened their grip. Mohammed Faraz Hussain was the game-changer, delivering a lethal four-wicket burst (4-24) that ripped through Kannur’s middle order. His clever changes of pace and pinpoint yorkers kept the batsmen guessing, while Jermaine Fernandes’ three wickets ensured no lower-order rescue. Despite Abdul Rahman’s valiant 41 and Sheethal VS’s fighting 24, Kannur stumbled to 141 all out in 18.3 overs, falling short by 24 runs.