Aries Kollam Sailors vs Calicut Globstars Prediction, Stats, Players, Odds: 21/8/2025

The Kerala Cricket League (KCL) 2025 is set to begin with a blockbuster clash as Aries Kollam Sailors, last year’s champions, take on Calicut Globstars, the runners-up from the previous season. Both teams are among the strongest in the league, and this opening encounter promises to set the tone for a highly competitive tournament. With seasoned performers and fresh talent on both sides, fans can expect a thrilling contest at the Greenfield International Stadium.

Aries Kollam Sailors – Defending Champions Eye Repeat Success

The Sailors dominated the 2024 edition, winning eight out of ten league games before lifting the trophy. Their success was built on a blend of batting consistency and a balanced bowling attack—qualities they have retained heading into the new season.

Sachin Baby remains the heartbeat of the team’s batting unit. The skipper was the tournament’s top run-scorer last season with 423 runs from 11 innings at a strike rate of 154, and expectations are high for him to deliver once again. He will be supported by Abhishek J Nair, who scored 303 runs in nine matches last year, providing stability at the top of the order.

The Sailors also boast depth in their middle order, with players like Vathsal Govind, Arun Poulose, and Sharafuddeen capable of anchoring innings or accelerating when required.

On the bowling front, Sharafuddeen was a revelation last season, finishing as the team’s top wicket-taker with 19 scalps in 11 matches. Alongside him, the pace trio of Biju Narayanan, Basil NP, and KM Asif ensures plenty of variation and firepower in the attack.

Predicted XI (Aries Kollam Sailors):
Abhishek J Nair, Sachin Baby (c), Arun Poulose, Vathsal Govind, Sharafuddeen, Rahul Sharma, Biju Narayanan, Basil NP, KM Asif, Amal A G, Arjun A K (wk)
Substitute: Pavan Raj

Calicut Globstars – Hungry to Go One Step Further

The Globstars also enjoyed a strong 2024 season, finishing second in the table with seven wins before reaching the final. They showed resilience throughout the campaign but fell short against the Sailors in the title clash. This time, their mission is clear: turn near-success into silverware.

Batting responsibilities once again rest on Salman Nizar, who was one of the most consistent run-makers last season with 431 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 141. He will be joined by Rohan Kunnummal, who piled up 320 runs in 10 outings, giving Calicut a reliable top order. The likes of Maruthungal Rasheed Ajinas and Akhil Scaria provide further strength in the middle.

With the ball, Akhil Scaria will lead the charge. He finished as the league’s top wicket-taker in 2024 with 24 wickets in 11 games, underlining his value as a match-winner. Supporting him are Nikhil M, Akhil Dev, and Pallam Anfal, who offer both control and attacking options.

Predicted XI (Calicut Globstars):
Rohan Kunnummal (c), Salman Nizar, Maruthungal Rasheed Ajinas (wk), Akhil Scaria, Pallam Anfal, Akhil Dev, Nikhil M, Abijith Praveen, Ajith Vasudevan, Rahaan Raheem, Perumparambath Anthaf
Substitutes: Sanjay Raj, Arun KA

Pitch & Weather Conditions

The Greenfield International Stadium generally favors batters in afternoon games, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat and the outfield supporting quick scoring. While spinners can extract some grip as the pitch wears, they often have to work hard for breakthroughs.

The average first-innings score at the venue in last year’s KCL was 127, though totals in the 180–190 range are considered match-winning. The record remains 218/2 by Kochi Blue Tigers against Alleppey Ripples in the previous season.

The weather in Thiruvananthapuram is forecast to be cloudy with a light breeze, but no rain is expected, meaning we should get a full game without interruptions.

Toss Prediction

History at this venue suggests chasing is the safer option. During the 2024 season, 21 matches were won by teams batting second compared to just 12 by teams setting a target. Given that pattern, the side winning the toss is almost certain to bowl first.

Prediction – ARKS vs CAGS

This fixture has the added spice of a rematch between last year’s finalists. Aries Kollam Sailors defeated Calicut Globstars three times in three meetings in 2024, including the all-important final. With a solid core of players retained and their confidence sky-high, the Sailors enter as favorites once again.

That said, the Globstars are no pushovers. With in-form run-scorers like Nizar and Kunnummal, plus the league’s most lethal bowler in Scaria, they certainly have the firepower to challenge the champions. But unless they deliver a near-perfect performance, overcoming Kollam’s balance and depth will be a tough task.

Prediction: Aries Kollam Sailors to win. The defending champions look primed to start their title defense on a strong note, though fans should expect a competitive game worthy of the tournament’s opening spotlight.