Salman Nizar stole the spotlight with a breathtaking knock in Kerala’s Group E clash against Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). While captain Sanju Samson fell cheaply for a run-a-ball four, Nizar, a 26-year-old left-hander, led the charge with an unbeaten 99 off 49 balls. His explosive innings, featuring eight towering sixes and five boundaries, propelled Kerala to a formidable total of 234/5. The team then restricted defending champions Mumbai to 191/9, securing a 43-run victory in Hyderabad.

A Star Is Born: Salman Nizar’s Journey
Born on June 30, 1997, in Thalassery, a town in Kerala’s northern Kannur district, Nizar’s cricketing journey began in domestic cricket in 2015. He made his first-class debut for Kerala in a Ranji Trophy match against Assam, scoring 12 runs off 33 balls. He announced himself in List A cricket with a match-winning unbeaten 82 off 104 balls against Tripura during the 2017 Vijay Hazare Trophy. His T20 debut came in the 2018 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Hyderabad.
Impressive Stats and Career Highlights
Nizar has represented Kerala in all three formats:
T20 Cricket: Played 25 matches, scored 413 runs at a strike rate of 147.50, averaging 51.62 with two half-centuries. His unbeaten 99 is now his career-best score.
First-Class Cricket: Played 27 matches, amassed 1,051 runs at an average of 33.90, with a top score of 95 not out and six fifties.
List A Cricket: Played 20 matches, scored 389 runs at an average of 25.93, including two half-centuries.
Turning Point Against Mumbai
In Thursday’s game, Kerala faced a challenging situation after losing two quick wickets and seeing Sachin Baby retire hurt with the score at 49. Enter Nizar, who built a match-winning 131-run partnership with opener Rohan Kunnummal. Kunnummal also shone, smashing 87 off 48 balls. Together, they dismantled Mumbai’s bowling attack, including international bowler Shardul Thakur, who conceded a staggering 69 runs in his four overs.
Mumbai’s Resistance Falls Short
Mumbai’s chase was led by Ajinkya Rahane, who top-scored with a brisk 68 off 35 balls. Prithvi Shaw managed just 23 off 13 deliveries, while captain Shreyas Iyer added 32 from 18 balls. However, their efforts weren’t enough to bridge the gap. Rahane, recently released by Chennai Super Kings and signed by Kolkata Knight Riders at the 2025 IPL auction, tried valiantly but lacked support from the rest of the lineup.
Kerala’s Commanding Victory
With this emphatic win, Kerala sent a strong message in the tournament, showcasing their depth and firepower. Salman Nizar’s knock will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the finest in SMAT history, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket.