Mysuru: The Bellary Tuskers finally got their first win of this season as they defeated Shivamogga Lions in the Super Over in the last group stage match held at the SDNR Wadiyar Stadium in city yesterday.

After winning the toss, Shivamogga Lions opted to bat. Their top order struggled once again as they were reduced to 29 for 3 in less than 5 overs. Skipper Aniruddha Joshi (47) and Rongsen Jonathan (45) resurrected the innings. Aniruddha Joshi 47 (27b,4×6,6×2) and Rongsen Jonathan 45 (30b, 4×4, 1×6) ensured that the score card kept ticking with a healthy run rate. Muthanna Nayak (2 for 17 in 3 overs) and Abrar Kazi (2 for 32) bowled well for the Bellary Tuskers. The Shivamogga Lions ended their innings at 151 for 5 in 20 overs.

In reply, the Tuskers displayed positive attitude with their batting after losing the wicket of Rohan Kadam in the very first over. C.A. Karthik (47) and C.M. Gautam (57) held their nerves and displayed a complete professional brand of cricket. They shared a 79 run partnership for the second wicket. Karthik 47 (29b,4×4,2×6) was in a very aggressive mode, and seemed like he wanted to finish the game early. Gautam 57 (52b,5×4,1×6) played a steady knock to ensure that they are within the reach of the target.

The scoring rate dropped immensely as Adithya Reddy (33 off 36 balls) was constantly beaten outside the off stump on a numerous occasions by bowler Abilash Shetty. The match went to the last over of which 8 runs were required. Aditya Somanna conceded just 7 runs in the over. With one run required of the last ball, Adithya Reddy could not get bat on ball and the ball ended up hitting his body. The batsmen scampered for the winning run, but bowler Adita Somanna got hold of the ball and got a direct hit at the bowlers end and caught Adithya Reddy short of his crease. The scores were tied as Bellary Tuskers finished at 151 for 4 in 20 overs. The match moved to the Super Over.

Aniruddha Joshi (spinner) brought himself on to bowl the super over, which probably cost Shivamogga Lions the match. He conceded 21 runs in the Super Over with a couple of sixes from C.M. Gautam and Ritesh Bhatkal powering a shot over the ropes off the ultimate ball.

In reply, Shivamogga Lions could manage only 9 runs in their Super Over. Bellary Tuskers handed the responsibility of the Super Over to Fast Bowlers S. Akshay, who executed his yorkers and contained the batsmen. Anirudha Joshi and Adita Somanna did not get a chance to swing their arms and they never seemed like they could chase down the target of 22 runs. Tuskers won the Super over by 12 runs. This dramatic end gave Bellary Tuskers their first win of the season and Shivamogga Lions finished the campaign with no points on board.

SCORE

Shivamogga Lions: 151 for 5 in 20 overs (Anirudha Joshi 47, R. Jonathan 45, Adhoksh Hegde 39, Muthanna Nayak 2 for 17, Abrar Kazi 2 for 32) tied with Bellary Tuskers: 151 for 4 in 20 overs (C.M. Gautam 57, C.A. Karthik 47, Adithya Reddy 33, Aditya Somanna 2 for 32).

Super Over: Bellary Tuskers: 21 for 1 (CM Gautam 12 n.o., Ritesh Bhatkal 6 n.o.) bt Shivamogga Lions: 9 for 0 (Aniruddha Joshi 6 n.o.).