Kerala stuns Oman with four-wickets win in tour opener

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India] April 22 (ANI): Kerala's senior men's team made a sensational start to their Oman tour, registering a thrilling four-wicket victory against Oman Chairman's XI in the first match, as per a release from Kerala Cricket Association.
In a high-scoring encounter, Kerala chased down a massive target of 327 with five balls to spare, with stellar performances from Rohan Kunnummal, Salman Nizar, and Shaun Roger.
Batting first, Oman Chairman's XI posted an imposing total of 326 in 50 overs. Openers Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem laid a solid foundation with a 137-run partnership.
Jatinder dazzled with a brilliant 150 off 136 balls, while Aamir chipped in with 73 off 68 deliveries.
However, once Aamir was dismissed, Kerala bowlers fought back, restricting scoring and dismissing the rest of the batting order effectively.
Kerala's MD Nidheesh and Eden Apple Tom were the stars with the ball, picking up four wickets each, helping contain Oman's total despite the strong start.
In reply, Kerala's chase got off to a decent start with Rohan Kunnummal and Ahmad Imran opening the innings.
Though both Ahmad Imran and Mohammed Azharuddeen fell in the same over, Rohan and Salman Nizar steadied the innings with a crucial 146-run third-wicket stand.
Rohan led from the front with a composed century, scoring 122 off 109 balls, which included 12 fours and 4 sixes.
Salman Nizar added an impactful 87 runs. After Rohan's dismissal, Shaun Roger took charge with a fluent 56 off 48 balls.
Though Kerala lost a few quick wickets towards the end, Akshay Manohar and Sharafuddeen held their nerve to guide the team to a memorable win.
For Oman, Hussain Ali Shah was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets. Kerala's next match in the Oman tour is scheduled for April 23. (ANI)