Kerala's 138 proves too little as Madhya Pradesh finish with eight balls to spareकेरल के 138 रन पड़े कम, मध्य प्रदेश ने आठ गेंद पहले जीत लिया मुकाबला

Madhya Pradesh reached 142/5 in 18.4 overs to beat Kerala by five wickets in Elite Match 11 of the 2026/27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at the New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh. Chasing 139, they finished with eight balls remaining.

Salman Nizar carries Kerala to 138

Kerala batted first and made 138/6 in their 20 overs. Salman Nizar was the backbone of the innings with 69 off 53 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Akhil Scaria added 32 off 35 balls, and the pair put on 67 runs in 61 balls, the most productive stand of the innings.

Kerala opener Sanju Samson was bowled for 4 off 3 balls. The other contributions were modest. Mohammed Azharuddeen made 10 off 10 balls with a six, and Vishnu Vinod scored 6 off 8. Madhya Pradesh's attack kept the total in check. Tripuresh Singh was the pick with 3/28 in three overs, Avesh Khan took 2/29 in four, and Shivang Kumar claimed 1/18 in three. Kumar Kartikeya (0/17 in four overs) and Rahul Batham (0/16 in three) were economical, while Shivam Shukla conceded 22 in three overs without a wicket.

Raghuwanshi and Shivang Kumar speed up the chase

Akshat Raghuwanshi changed the tempo for Madhya Pradesh with 45 off 28 balls, including four fours and two sixes, before he was bowled. Shivang Kumar made 15 off 11, and the two added 51 runs in just 27 balls, a quick partnership that put the target within reach.

Kerala did chip away. Karthik B Nair took 2/23 in four overs, and Dineshan Nidheesh, KM Asif and Biju Narayanan each took a wicket. Nikhil M conceded 30 in four overs, and Akhil Scaria gave away 11 in his one over.

Patidar sees Madhya Pradesh home

Rajat Patidar stayed unbeaten on 36 off 29 balls, with two fours and a six, to anchor the finish. Apurve Dwivedi's 26 off 18 balls, which included two sixes, added further momentum. With the target only 139, those contributions kept the required rate under control, and the chase was completed with a comfortable cushion of balls in hand.

For Kerala, Nizar's 69 deserved a stronger bowling follow-up. For Madhya Pradesh, Raghuwanshi's quick 45 and Patidar's calm unbeaten innings made the difference.