Bengaluru: A splendid rear-guard action, anchored by middle-order batsman Arshdeep Singh Brar (67 in 34b, 1×4, 8×6), helped Bengaluru Blasters to come back strongly from 67 for six to post a good total of 167 for eight in 20 overs, and later on, their bowlers, spearheaded by Manoj S. Bhandage (three for 36), restricted Bellary Tuskers to 161 for eight in 20 overs and won by six-runs in the KPL-2018 tie played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium yesterday.

Batting first, Bengaluru Blasters were in trouble losing wickets at intervals, with medium-pacer T. Pradeep (three for 24) striking telling blows and removing skipper Robin Uthappa (1), K.B. Pawan (1) and Pavan Deshpade (0). Bengaluru Blasters were reeling at 67 for six at one stage, and some exciting and bold batting by Punjab-born Arshdeep Singh Brar (67) helped them to post a decent total of 167 for eight in 20 overs.

A 48-run partnership with Manoj S. Bhandage (17, 17b, 2×4) for the seventh wicket and a 46-run partnership with Bharath Devaraj (19) for the eighth wicket helped their cause.

In reply, Bellary Tuskers were restricted to 161 for eight in 20 overs. Some good batting by Abhinav Manohar (61, 28b, 4×4, 5×6) was not sufficient for their team to cross the target. Useful contributions came in from Rohan Kadam (31), Abrar Khazi (22, 22b,1×4, 1×6) and Devdutt Padikal (19, 22b, 1×6). Manoj S. Bhandage impressed with three for 36 and was well supported by V. Koshik (two for 20) and Bharat Devaraj (two for 25).

Arshdeep Singh Brar was adjudged as the ‘Man of  the Match.’

Scores

Bengaluru Blasters: 167 for 8 in 20 overs (Arshdeep Singh Brar 67, T. Pradeep 3 for 24) bt Bellary Tuskers: 161 for 8 in 20 overs (Abhinav Manohar 61, Rohan Kadam 31, Abrar Khazi 22, Manoj S. Bhandage 3 for 36, V. Koushik two for 20, Bharath Devraj 2 for 25).