NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson rediscovered his flair at the top of the order, blasting a fiery 43 off just 15 balls - including five towering sixes - to power Kerala to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Chhattisgarh in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group A clash in Lucknow on Sunday.

Earlier, Chhattisgarh struggled to put up a competitive total, crawling to 120 in 19.5 overs. Former CSK pacer KM Asif was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 16, which included the wicket of Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh for a duck. Apart from Sanjeet Desai's 35 off 23, the innings lacked momentum throughout.

Chasing a modest target on a true surface, Kerala made light work of the total, sealing victory in just 10.4 overs, with Samson's explosive return to the opening slot setting the tone for a commanding win.

Since the Asia Cup, Samson had been pushed down the order for India, with Shubman Gill partnering world No.1 T20 batter Abhishek Sharma at the top.

The middle-order role never seemed to suit Samson, and his fluent knock against Chhattisgarh was a reminder of how much he thrives as an opener, turning the chase into a breeze.

He hit seamer Ravi Kiran behind square and through mid-wicket for two sixes and left-arm wrist spinner Ajay Mandal for three identical shots over deep mid-wicket boundary. Kerala had raced to 72 by the fifth over before Kiran had him holed out by Anand Rao.

However Kerala didn't have any stress while chasing the target.

Riyan Parag flops for Assam

The highly rated Riyan Parag scored a painstaking 14 off 19 balls for Assam which lost its low-scoring group A league game to Railways by three wickets.

Batting first, Assam managed only 132 for 7 with Riyan, who had already captain IPL team Rajasthan Royals, wasting too many deliveries. Had Sahil Jain not scored 38 off 29 balls, Assam wouldn't have passed 125-run mark.

While chasing, Railways were 115 for 7 at one stage with 18 needed off last 13 balls. Veteran skipper Karn Sharma (24 not out off 16 balls) ended with a flourish hitting two fours and two sixes. He finished the game with a six.

Brief Scores:

Chattisgarh 120 in 19.5 overs (Sanjeet Desai 35, KM Asif 3/16). Kerala 121/2 in 10.4 overs (Sanju Samson 43). Kerala won by 8 wickets.

Assam 132/7 in 20 overs (Sahil Jain 38, Karn Sharma 2/23). Railways 135/7 in 19.4 overs (Karn Sharma 24 not out). Railways won by 3 wickets.

(With PTI Inputs)