What a journey it has been! As Aries Kollam Sailors, we set out on a mission to conquer the inaugural edition of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), and on September 18, 2024, at the Greenfield Stadium, we did just that. With a six-wicket victory over Calicut Globstars, we are proud to call ourselves the first-ever champions of KCL!
Captain Sachin Baby: Leading from the Front
It was a performance to remember from our skipper, Sachin Baby, who played an absolutely breathtaking knock when it mattered most. Chasing a challenging target of 214, Sachin crafted a masterful century—105 not out from just 54 balls—leading us to victory with five balls to spare.
Sachin was unstoppable. His seven towering sixes and eight crisp boundaries put us in control of the chase, especially after a tricky start when our openers, Abhishek Nair and Arun Polouse, fell early. But Sachin, standing tall, made the pressure look like just another day at the office. When he partnered with Vatsal Govind, who chipped in with a crucial 45 off 27 balls, it felt like we were destined to win. Their 114-run partnership turned the tide firmly in our favor, and when Sachin smashed the winning boundary off Akhil Dev, we knew we had written our names into KCL history.
A Dominant Tournament for the Sailors
Our road to the final wasn’t just about one performance. We were consistent throughout the tournament, playing fearless cricket and finishing at the top of the table. In fact, we lost only two matches all season. The entire team, from the top order to the bowlers, contributed game after game, and our strong teamwork is what made us the most formidable side in the competition.
Special recognition goes to our all-rounder Sharafuddeen NM, who was rightly named Player of the Tournament. Sharaf’s ability to deliver with both bat and ball in crucial moments proved vital to our success. He was the glue that held our performances together, especially in tight contests.
The Final Battle
The final itself was a true test of our resolve. Calicut Globstars came out swinging, with Rohan Kunnummal (51), Akhil Scaria (50), and M. Ajinas (56) piling on the runs, and they posted a daunting 213/6 in their 20 overs. But we never lost belief. Our bowlers fought hard, and while the pitch was unforgiving, Sudhesan Midhun (2/42) and Amal AG (2/18) delivered crucial breakthroughs, particularly in the final overs when they restricted the Globstars to just 23 runs in the last three.
When we walked out to chase, we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Early setbacks saw us lose Abhishek and Arun, but with Sachin Baby at the crease, we always believed. His calm presence under pressure and his ability to pick apart the opposition’s bowling made all the difference. And when Vatsal joined him at the crease, the runs began to flow effortlessly.
The Moment of Glory
The magic of cricket is how quickly momentum can change, and as Sachin kept pushing the scoreboard, we knew we were inching closer to victory. In the 19th over, with just a few runs left, Sachin scooped one for six to bring up his century, sending our dugout into a frenzy. Then, with a final boundary, the win was ours.
That moment, when the ball crossed the ropes and we were crowned champions, was everything we had worked for. The joy, the relief, and the sheer pride we felt was indescribable. We had made history, and it was a moment none of us will ever forget.
A New Era for Aries Kollam Sailors
This title is just the beginning for us. We have shown that with hard work, unity, and a never-give-up attitude, anything is possible. Our success in the first edition of KCL has set the stage for even greater things to come.
We’re incredibly grateful to our fans, who stood by us through every high and low of the tournament. You are as much a part of this victory as we are. Together, we have launched something special—a legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come.
We are Aries Kollam Sailors. Champions of the Kerala Cricket League 2024. And we are just getting started! more than ready to revive Kollam’s cricketing scene and lead it to unprecedented heights.
