Thrissur Legends batted first after skipper Giri Nair opted to take the initiative. Their innings was nothing short of a masterclass in aggressive cricket. Prasanth Asokan laid the foundation with a brisk 30 off 22, while Linesh kept the momentum flowing with a rapid 37 from just 20 deliveries. The real fireworks came from Mohammed Shahir, who produced an innings to remember. Shahir smashed 70 off 36 balls at a strike rate near 200, peppering the boundaries with nine fours and three towering sixes. His audacious strokeplay had the crowd on their feet and the bowlers searching for answers. Alongside him, captain Giri Nair anchored with a composed 29 not out, ensuring the scoreboard never lost its rhythm. Despite losing quick wickets mid-innings, Thrissur finished with a mammoth 207/5, their intent clear from the outset – attack was the best form of defense.

The Deccan Strikers’ bowlers were put under the pump, though Jinish Shaji showed grit by bagging two wickets, while Rizwan and Johnson chipped in with one apiece. Yet, their combined efforts could not tame Shahir’s dominance. The extras column, swelling to 23 runs, only compounded their troubles, gifting Thrissur additional breathing space that ultimately proved decisive.