KCL 2026: Sibin Gireesh stars with All-Round show; Alleppey Ripples go top after thrashing Kochi Blue Tigers

Alleppey Ripples produced a stunning 74-run victory over Kochi Blue Tigers in the 14th match of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2026, with Sibin Gireesh playing a key role in the rout at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

The most expensive buy of this KCL season was excellent with both bat and ball, thus powering the Ripples to a massive victory.

After rain reduced the contest to seven overs per side, Alleppey Ripples posted a formidable 125/1 in their allotted seven overs. The shortened format demanded an explosive start, and Ripples made the most of their opportunity before their bowlers completed a dominant performance.

Sibin scored 37 runs off just 8 deliveries, hitting 1 four and 6 sixes. Ripples vice-captain Mohammad Azharuddeen was excellent with his unbeaten 51 off just 24 balls.

Kochi Blue Tigers never recovered from a disastrous start in the chase and were reduced to 51/9 in seven overs. Ripples' bowlers struck at regular intervals, with Akhil Dev V leading the attack with four wickets.

Sibin Gireesh was particularly effective in the middle of the innings. He finished with excellent figures of 3/22 from his two overs, accounting for Karthik B Nair, Manu Krishnan and N Mohammed Ashik. His spell helped Ripples keep Kochi under relentless pressure and ensured that the chase never gathered momentum.

Gireesh's three-wicket haul was especially significant because Manu Krishnan was the only Kochi batter to offer meaningful resistance. Manu smashed 22 off 13 balls, including five fours, but Gireesh removed him to break the only substantial partnership Kochi had managed. He then dismissed Mohammed Ashik without allowing the batter to settle.

Kochi's collapse was remarkable. Vinoop Manoharan, Jobin Joby, Sachin Suresh and Anandhu Sunil all fell for single-digit scores, while Karthik B Nair was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Gireesh. Captain Saly Viswanadh Samson scored seven off three balls, including a six, but was also unable to change the course of the chase.

With the win, Alleppey have moved up to 1st with 6 points in five matches. Kochi, meanwhile, are languishing at the bottom with just 2 points after five encounters.