Bengaluru: Mysore Warriors began their KSCA Maharaja Trophy T20 campaign with a seven-run victory over Shivamogga Lions on the opening day at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, here yesterday.

Having put into bat first, Mysore Warriors, riding on Manoj Bhandage’s (42 not out) firework, put up a fighting score of 159/8 in 20 overs. Meanwhile, bowlers Hardik Raj (2/32), D. Avinash (2/44) and T. Pradeep (2/46) were the pick for Shivamogga Lions.

Tasked with a reduced target of 88 runs under the VJD method, Shivamogga Lions fell short despite Abhinav Manohar’s blistering half century (52 not out).

Shivamogga Lions lost Nihal Ullal (0) as early as the second ball of the innings, in the same over Abhinav Manohar crafted three boundaries to switch the momentum back towards Shivamogga. Impact player, Rohit Kumar (12) also carved a six and a four in quick succession to bring Shivamogga to 29/1 by the end of the three-over powerplay.

The seasoned J. Suchith dismissed Rohit Kumar and Shivraj (0) in quick succession, but Manohar continued to surge forward, finding regular boundaries with ease. At the seven-over mark, Shivamogga needed 29 runs in 12 balls. Manohar struck two consecutive boundaries to bring up his half century in just 26 balls that included 8 boundaries and two sixes. While D. Avinash began the final over with a six, the Shivamogga Lions couldn’t muster the 17 runs needed, finishing at 80/5 in their allotted nine overs.

In the first innings, the Mysore Warriors struggled from the outset, with S.U. Karthik (18) and C.A. Karthik (3) falling early. Skipper Karun Nair (18) tried to inject some momentum with consecutive boundaries in the third over, but the team could only muster 40 runs by the end of the power play.

The innings faltered further when Samit Dravid (7) dismissed by Hardik Raj and Karun Nair was sent packing by D. Avinash. Sumit Kumar (14) attempted to settle in but was run out by Dhruv Prabhakar while the same over saw Harshil Dhamani’s (1) departure, leaving Mysore in deep trouble at 71/6 after 12 overs.

The experienced duo of K. Gowtham (21) and J. Suchith tried to stabilize the innings, adding 24 runs in an                                                     important partnership.

However, Suchith (11) was caught by Hardik Raj after he was hit for a six and D. Avinash claimed his third wicket dismissing K. Gowtham in the  following over.

Manoj Bhandage then provided a much-needed impetus to the Warriors’ innings, smashing 42 runs off just 16 balls, including four sixes. His explosive knock, including 17 runs off the final over, propelled Mysore to 159/8.

Notably, the final five overs saw Shivamogga Lions concede 72 runs.

Brief Scores

Mysore Warriors 159/8 in 20 overs (Manoj Bhandage 46 not out, K. Gowtham 21 runs, Hardik Raj 2/32, D. Avinash  2/44, T. Pradeep 2/46) beat Shivamogga Lions 80/5 in 9 overs (Abhinav Manohar 52 not out, J. Suchith 2/15) (VJD Method).

Today’s Matches

 Mangaluru Dragons Vs Hubli Tigers- 3 pm

 Mysore Warriors  Vs Bengaluru Blasters-  7 pm

Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Catch the live action on Star Sports Kannada, Star Sports 2;

Live streaming on Fancode