Kerala on Wednesday knocked J&K out of Syed Mushtaq AliT20 tournament by bundling them out for 65 run in the match played at DevineniVenkata Ramana Praneetha Ground, Mulapadu.
Playing its fifth match of the tournament and a must-win tiefor staying alive in the tournament, J&K kept Kerala to 159 run total butthen their batting failed as J&K managed to score only 65 runs in reply.For J&K skipper Parvez Rasool was unable to bat due to injury that happenedduring first inning.
Earlier, J&K won the toss and elected to field first.J&K had brilliant start as they were able to reduce Kerala to 33 for theloss of three wickets in 4.2 overs. They were able to get fourth wicket toleave Kerala on 69 after 10.1 overs. However, then the stand of 45 runs betweenV Manoharan and Mohammed Azharudeen took them to 114 runs in 15 overs.Manoharan got out after scoring brilliant 52 run knock from 42 balls.Azharuddeen was sixth wicket to fall after scoring 32 from 25 runs. The lateorder unbeaten cameo of Salman Nazir took Kerala to 159 runs for the loss ofseven wickets in allotted 20 overs. Nazir remained not out on 23 from 14 balls.For J&K Parvez Rasool and Irfan Pathan took two wickets each while as RamDayal took one.
In reply, J&K batting crumbled without any resistance tohand Kerala a comfortable win of 94 runs. J&K batsman failed to showresolve and stay in the middle. Only Jatin Wadhwan (24) and Irfan Pathan (10)were able to reach double figures, rest of the batsmen fell cheaply. It washorrible batting show from the team that had earlier managed to put big totalson board in the event. With Parvez Rasool unable to bat, J&K lost ninewicket on the score of 65 runs in 14.5 overs to hand Kerala a 94 run win. ForKerala, Midhun took three wickets while as Nidheesh and Vinoop Sheela took twowickets each.
It was third defeat for J&K out of five matches playedin the tournament. They have now got only eight points and stand at fourthplace on points table. By losing to Kerala, J&K has lost the hope of qualificationand have now been knocked out of tournament with one match yet to be played.J&K will next play Manipur on Thursday.