Chasing 178, Sloggers Kerala Super Kings started brightly with Abbas KT’s solid 36 off 30 and Harikrishna’s quick 16. But the joy was short-lived as the Goa bowlers executed their plans with surgical precision. Shawn George, fresh from his batting exploits, returned to deliver with the ball — removing Abbas and Azeem Ashraf with devastating accuracy. The middle order, led by Faisal TK (31 off 17) and Faisal Ahamed (32 off 14), counterpunched brilliantly, bringing the chase back to life with crisp boundaries and confident running. Their 46-run stand rekindled belief, but Goa’s bowling attack refused to wilt under pressure.

When Sachin Chhabra (3/21) came on, the game turned decisively. His crafty variations dismantled Kerala’s middle and lower order, including a perfect yorker to clean up Sakeer Yorcker. Backed by Jermaine Fernandes’ superb fielding and tight overs from Deven Uchil, Goa held their nerve as wickets tumbled in clusters. The Kings’ innings folded for 159 in 19.2 overs, 18 runs shy of the target — a testament to Goa’s all-round brilliance.

This contest had everything fans crave — power hitting, turnarounds, and drama till the end. Goa’s balance across departments, coupled with Saklani’s leadership and George’s all-round heroics, made them deserved victors. Kerala Super Kings, despite the loss, walked away with heads held high for their fighting spirit and flashes of brilliance.