Rain continued to hound the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), but it held off just long enough for Shivamogga Lions to post a seven-wicket win over Bengaluru Blasters at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here yesterday.

Two rain stoppages meant the Lions were chasing a revised VJD target of 106 in 12 overs when play resumed at 9.45 pm. Nihal Ullal (33) and Arjun Hoysala (16) made short work of the total early on, but it was Abhimanyu Mithun’s four sixes that finished things off as the Lions’ skipper bludgeoned an unbeaten 34 runs from 13 balls to carry the visitors to 107 for 3 in 10.1 overs. The win meant Lions now have three wins from as many games.

As a heavy downpour marked the end of the first match, it was clear that rain would hamper proceedings. The second game began on time but the players came off the field with the Blasters on 19/0 in 2.2 overs. After the play resumed, the Blasters rode on B.R. Sharath’s sprightly 42 and Rohan Kadam’s tetchy 25 to get to 114 for 3 in 16 overs before the second bout of rain came down.

Much to the delight of the home crowd, which has witnessed Bengaluru share points in both their previous contests, the rain dissipated and the players were back on the field with the Lions chasing a stiff total. Lions, however, responded with heat as Ullal and Hoysala added 50 runs for the opening wicket in just 4.2 overs. Though, both the batsmen were sent back in quick succession, Lions saw a way out as Mithun and M. Nidish (17 not out) completed formalities with a dash of style.

Brief Score

Bengaluru Blasters: 114 for 3 in 16 overs lost to (revised VJD total: 106 in 2 overs) Shivamogga Lions: 107 for 3 in 10.1 overs.