Hubbali: Belagavi Panthers were crowned champions in the Karbonn Smartphones Karnataka Premier League 2017, after putting in a well-rounded display in the tournament’s grand finale yesterday at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubballi.

In front of a capacity crowd, and a list of luminaries headlined by Belagavi Panthers’ brand ambassador, Bollywood superstar Sunil Shetty, Hoover unleashed the big hits he is so capable. His 52-ball 81 runs included 12 boundaries, with eight fours and four sixes. He was ably supported by K.N. Bharath (24 off 19) and B.R. Sharath (23 off 18). But Hoover was the undisputed star of the day.

For the record, Belagavi, after opting to chase, posted 145 for 4 after Bijapur Bulls were restricted to 141 for 7. Thanks to Mohammed Taha (30 off 22) and H.S. Sharath (30 off 12 not out).

When the winning runs were scored, the whole of the Belagavi unit raced onto the field to embrace Stuart Binny (8 not out) and Kishore Kamat (5 not out), even as a display of fireworks lit up the night. It was the perfect finish to a fine tournament.

Brief scores

Bijapur Bulls 141 for 7 in 20 overs (Mohammed Taha 30, H.S. Sharath 30*; Shubhang Hegde 2-8) lost to Belagavi Panthers 145 for 4 in 17.3 overs (K.N. Bharath 24, Stalin Hoover 81; Dikshanshu Negi 1-15) by six wickets.

Man of the Match: Stalin Hoover (Belagavi Panthers)

Man of the Series: Stuart Binny (Belagavi Panthers).

Purple Cap: Abhishek Sakuja (Hubli Tigers)

Orange Cap: Mayank Agarwal (Hubli Tigers)

Cycle Pure Agarbathies Player of the Tournament: Abhimanyu Mithun (Bijapur Bulls)

Best fielder of tournament: Mohammed Taha (Bijapur Bulls)

Cult.fit Fittest Player of the tournament: KN Bharath (Belagavi Panthers)

Myteam11.com MVP: Stuart Binny (Belagavi Panthers)