Mysuru: Mysuru Warriors defeated Belagavi Panthers by one run in a high-scoring cliffhanger in the ongoing Karnataka Premier League (KPL)-2018 encounter at the SDNR Wadiyar Stadium in city yesterday.

Put into bat by the Belagavi Panthers, Mysuru Warriors yet again got off to a superb start. Openers  Rajoo Bhatka (31) and Arjun Hoysala (37) gave the right platform for the incoming batsmen. They raced to about 48 runs in 6 overs. But their run rate drastically dropped as they could mange about 30 odd runs in between 6th to 13th over. Shoaib Manager (56) and Amit Verma (43 n.o.) changed gears and completely took the opposition by surprise. Shoaib Manager 56 (24b,7×4,3×6) continued his rich form as he went berserk right form the word go. His aggressive style of play included sweep shots, loft shots and pull shots.

The Warriors had now set a stage for a huge total. Amit Verma 43 (22b,3×4,3×6) carried his bat till the end and ensure that the Warriors reach a score of 201 for 4 in 20 overs. The Mysuru Warriors scored about 81 runs in their last five overs.

In reply, Belagavi Panthers, got off to a decent start as opener Dikshanshu Negi (60) stood tall. All the other batsmen around him got starts but could not carry it in the long run. The Panthers faced a humongous task of chasing 72 runs in the last five overs. M. Nidish (44 n.o.) and Akshay Ballal (21) shared a 54 run, 7th wicket partnership off 20 balls and ensured that the Panthers were in the hunt. Nidish 44 (19b,2×4,4×6) smashed Suchith for 25 runs in the 18th over of the innings. With 4 runs required of the last ball, the home team backed by a good support from the fans, conceded only two runs. Belagavi Panthers finished their innings at  200 for 8 in 20 overs. The entire stadium erupted with joy as the high scoring nail bitter came to a dramatic end with the Home team emerging victorious.

SCORES

Mysuru Warriors: 201/4 in 20 overs (Shoaib Manager 56, Amit Verma 43 n.o., Arjun Hoysala 37, Rajoo Bhatkal 31) beat Belagavi Panthers: 200/8 in 20 overs (Dikshanshu Negi 60, M. Nidish  44 n.o., Akshay Ballal 21; Vyshak Vijaykumar 2-30, Amit Verma 2-29); Man of the Match: Shoiab Manager.

Bengaluru Blasters continue their winning streak

Bengaluru Blasters continued their winning form as they defeated Hubli Tigers by 6 wickets in the KPL encounter at the SDNR Wadiyar Stadium in city yesterday.

With the rain affecting the game, the encounter was an 18 over affair. Bengaluru Blaster won the toss and put the opposition Hubli Tigers into bat. The ball started moving a lot especially after the rains. The Tigers got off to a horrific start as they were reduced to 19 for 4 in 4.4 overs. Praveen Dubey (48) and Vinay Kumar (20) played gritty knocks and ensured that the Tigers reach a competitive total of 117 for 9 in their 18 overs. V. Koushik was the standout bowler for the Blasters as he returned with the figures of 2 for 6 in his three overs.

In reply, the Bengaluru Blasters seemed to have a good command over the game. K.B. Pawan (29) and Robin Uthappa (31) looked steady as they seemed to steer Bengaluru home. But Mahesh Patel (3 for 20) caused hiccups in the Batting line up of Bengaluru Blasters. The Blasters were at 89 for 4 at 14.3 overs. Pavan Deshpande (28) played a crucial knock. The match went to the last over with 5 runs required off 3 balls. Pavan Deshpande went down the track and hit leg spinner Praveen Dubey over long-on for a huge six and sealed the game. The Bengaluru blaster finished at 119 for 4 in 17.4 overs.

SCORES

Hubli Tigers: 117 for 4 in 18 overs (Praveen Dubey 48, Vinay Kumar 20, V. Koushik 2 for 6) lost to Bengaluru Blasters: 119 for 4 in 17.4 overs (Robin Uthappa 31, K.B. Pawan 29, Pavan Deshpande 28, Mahesh Patel 3 for 20); Man of the Match: V. Koushik.

Today’s Matches Sept.1 (Saturday)

Bijapur Bulls Vs Mysuru Warriors              2.00 PM

Hubli Tigers Vs Belagavi Panthers              6.30 pm

Tomorrow’s Matches Sept.2 (Sunday)

Shivamogga Lions Vs Bijapuir Bulls            2.00 pm

Bengaluru Blasters Vs Mysuru Warriors                 6.40 pm

Venue: SDNR Wadiyar Grounds, Manasagangothri, Mysuru

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The matches will be streamed live at Hotstar.com

Tickets available at: Insider.in and Paytm.