Sanju Samson Dazzles With Blazing Fifty As Asia Cup Pick Hovers Closer

Sanju Samson reminded everyone again why he is rated as one of the best cricketers of the nation. The batter wicketkeeper churned out a scorching half-century that not only guided his team to a nail-biting victory but also made him an almost certainty for the Asia Cup squad. The platform was laid at the Greenfield Stadium where Kerala Cricket Association Secretary XI and KCA President XI clashed in a high voltage friendly T20 match. The game proved to be one of the most enthralling encounters in recent times as spectators saw power hitting fearless cricket and nerve gripping drama until the last over.

Batting first the President XI team captained by Sachin Baby ensured they gave the crowd something to watch with an aggressive game strategy. Rohan Kunnummal handed them a flying start thrashing 60 runs off mere 29 balls. His innings was replete with snappy shots and aggressive intent that left the Secretary XI bowlers struggling right from the word go. Abhijith Praveen subsequently poured more oil into the innings with a whirlwind cameo of 47 from a mere 18 deliveries. As wickets continued to fall at regular intervals these two innings propelled the President XI to a fighting score of 184 for losing eight wickets within their 20 allotted overs. Sharafudheen was the best bowler of the Secretary XI with three vital wickets as Sijomon Joseph also offered able support with two wickets. Their timely strikes denied the opponents from reaching the 200 mark.

Looking to chase 185 in conditions under lights at the Greenfield Stadium was never going to be an easy task but the Secretary XI team had immense faith in their batting strength. The chase was started with fiery intention as wicketkeeper Vishnu Vinod dominated right from the start. He pounded the ball around the park destroying a scorching 69 runs from just 29 balls. His batting provided the tone for the chase and pumped life into his side. After Vishnu left the onus fell on skipper Sanju Samson who came in with determination and calmness.

Samson who has frequently been in the midst of controversy for India's middle order contributed a mature but aggressive innings. He compiled 54 runs from 36 balls and anchored the innings when the pressure was building up. Samson balanced caution with aggression as he chose the right time to go after the bowlers. His knock not only kept the target run rate in touching distance but also showed his skill to anchor the innings at the right moments. The match though was not yet over as wickets began to fall towards the end and turned the game into a very tight affair. With just a couple of deliveries remaining Basil Thampi became a hero by hitting a six to seal victory with just two balls remaining. The Secretary XI concluded with 188 for nine recording a classic one wicket win.

The exciting match was played in the presence of a lively crowd that had turned out to witness not only the game but also the commissioning of the newly installed LED floodlights at the Greenfield Stadium. The mood was charged as officials team owners dignitaries and cricket enthusiasts gathered to mark the occasion. The action on the ground exactly matched the celebratory mood in the stands as Kerala's best cricketers produced a contest to cherish.

For Samson the innings could not have arrived at a better juncture. With the announcement of the Asia Cup team looming near the wicket-keeper batter has displayed selectors that he is fit and in good nick. His pressure handling capabilities coupled with his strong stroke play make him a strong candidate for India's middle order. Samson will play for Kochi Blue Tigers during the upcoming Kerala Cricket League where he will act as vice captain. The August 21 to September 7 scheduled tournament will provide him with good match practice before the Asia Cup that begins on September 9 in the UAE. India's first match will be against the hosts on September 10.

Samson's career has been full of ups and downs but he just won't give up and keeps struggling back with solid contributions. After the last year's T20 World Cup, he developed a rhythm as an opener with Abhishek for India. Since then he has appeared in 31 T20 games with 908 runs in 30 innings. His figures read great with an average of 33.62 and a strike rate of 157.09. He has already scored three centuries and three half centuries during this time demonstrating that he is able to adjust to various roles and scenarios. His reliability and dynamic batting have re-opened the question of his position in India's top squad for major tournaments.

Kerala cricket fans are particularly delighted to see their home hero so much in form. Samson's knock in this friendly encounter not only brightened his prospects for international duty but also sent a huge buzz about the Kerala Cricket League. The league has pledged to assemble exciting talent and explosive encounters and also ready players like Samson for greater challenges. The Secretary XI win was more than a victory in a friendly game. It reflected the increasing cricket culture in Kerala and revealed the extent of talent that exists within the state. Performances by players such as Vishnu Vinod Rohan Kunnummal and Abhijith Praveen proved that Kerala cricket is on the way up and is capable of producing stars that can make their mark at the national level.

With the countdown to the Asia Cup ongoing the limelight will be placed firmly on Samson. With each such inning he establishes himself stronger in his case and establishes the fact that he is capable of handling greater responsibilities. His battle-hardened fifty in the Greenfield Stadium was not merely a figure on the scoreboard. It was a declaration of intent a reminder of his ability and a testament to what he can do for India when it counts the most.