Bengaluru: Bhuvan Raju’s explosive half-century powered Bengaluru Blasters to a thrilling victory over Mysore Warriors, securing their second consecutive win in the KSCA Maharaja Trophy T20 Tournament being held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here yesterday.

In a match reduced to 18 overs, Bengaluru chased down a challenging target of 183. Raju’s 51 off just 24 balls set the tone for the chase. Bengaluru’s M.G. Naveen (4/25) spell was pivotal in keeping Mysore Warriors’ total within reach despite strong performances from Manoj Bhandage (58 not out) and Harshil Dhamani (50).

Bengaluru Blasters lost Mayank Agarwal (1) early to C.A. Karthik, but Bhuvan Raju blitzed four sixes, three of which came against J. Suchith while L.R. Chethan (33) cleared the ropes twice to amass 54 runs in the first six overs. The assault did not stop as Bhuvan Raju went on to strike two sixes of Dhanush Gowda in the eighth over and eventually registered the quickest half century of the season, reaching the landmark in just 23 balls before he was run out.

C.A. Karthik returned to the attack and scalped L.R. Chethan in the 10th over. The incoming batsman, Suraj Ahuja (39) clobbered two sixes and a four in the very same over to place Bengaluru in the driver’s seat at 112/2. Suraj Ahuja powered Bengaluru forward, hitting two more sixes before his 18-ball knock was derailed by Gautam Mishra.

With five overs remaining, Bengaluru needed 43 runs, Shubhang Hedge (27 not out) remained unbeaten to help them complete a commanding victory.

Brief Scores

Mysore Warriors: 182/6 in 18 overs (Manoj Bhandage 58 not out, Harshil Dhamani 50, C.A. Karthik 27, M.G. Naveen 4/25, Aditya Goyal 1/47) lost to Bengaluru Blasters: 183/6 in 17.1 overs (Bhuvan Raju 51, Suraj Ahuja 39, L.R. Chethan 33, Vidhyadhar Patil 2/32, C.A. Karthik 2/37).

Today’s Matches (Aug. 17)

Namma Shivamogga Vs Mangaluru Dragons – 3 pm

Gulbarga Mystics Vs Hubli Tigers – 7 pm

Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Catch the live action on Star Sports Kannada, Star Sports 2; Live streaming on Fancode