In a thrilling T20 clash, Shivamogga Lions put up a formidable total of 227-5 in their allotted 20 overs, showcasing an array of explosive batting performances. However, Bengaluru Blasters managed to chase down this challenging target with remarkable ease, achieving victory with one over to spare, finishing at 228-4 in just 19 overs.
Shivamogga Lions kept things explosive
Shivamogga Lions innings was anchored by significant contributions from Mohit BA and Abhinav Manohar, who played pivotal roles in setting a daunting target. Mohit BA scored a crucial 56 off 38 deliveries, anchoring the middle order and stabilizing the innings after a few early setbacks. His innings included three boundaries and four towering sixes, reflecting a strike rate of 147.37.
Meanwhile, Abhinav Manohar was in sublime form, smashing an unbeaten 59 off just 24 balls. Manohar’s knock was laced with seven sixes and one four, propelling his strike rate to an astonishing 245.83. His blistering innings ensured that SML posted a competitive total on the board.
Earlier in the innings, SML struggled to build a strong foundation, losing key wickets at regular intervals. Opener Dhruv Prabhakar contributed 16 runs off 13 balls before being bowled by Aditya Goyal.
Captain Nihal Ullal, who also doubled as the wicketkeeper, managed 12 runs off 10 balls before being caught by Goyal off Prateek Jain’s bowling. S Shivaraj, despite showing promise, fell for 13 runs off 15 deliveries, caught by Shikhar Shetty off the bowling of Santok Singh.
Rohan Naveen provided valuable support with a quickfire 45 off just 21 balls, hitting two fours and five sixes. His aggressive approach helped accelerate the scoring rate during the middle overs. Rajvir Wadhwa also contributed with an unbeaten 6 off 1 ball, which included a six, rounding off SML’s innings at 227-5.
BLB’s bowlers faced a tough time against the SML batters. Santok Singh, though expensive, managed to pick up a wicket in his four-over spell, conceding 47 runs. Prateek Jain was the most economical bowler for BLB, taking 1 wicket for 31 runs in his four overs. Aditya Goyal, though taking two important wickets, proved costly, giving away 53 runs in his spell.
Lavish Kaushal also chipped in with a wicket, conceding 33 runs in his four overs. The rest of the bowling unit, including Shikhar Shetty and Shubhang Hegde, struggled to contain the flow of runs, as SML’s batters found boundaries at regular intervals.
Quite an Interesting Chase by Bengaluru Blasters
Chasing 228, Bengaluru Blasters needed a strong start, but early wickets put them on the back foot. LR Chethan was the first to fall, managing just 7 runs off 5 balls before being caught and bowled by HS Sharath.
The experienced Mayank Agarwal, leading the side, contributed a brisk 33 off 17 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, before being caught by Dhruv Prabhakar off the bowling of Hardik Raj. Bhuvan Raju tried to steady the innings but was dismissed for 10 runs off 8 balls by HS Sharath.
With BLB in a precarious position, it was Shubhang Hegde and wicketkeeper-batsman Suraj Ahuja who turned the game on its head. Hegde played a breathtaking innings, remaining unbeaten on 85 off just 41 balls. His innings was a blend of power and finesse, featuring six fours and six sixes, at a strike rate of 207.32.
Ahuja, too, was in scintillating form, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 38 balls, including nine fours and four sixes, at a strike rate of 215.79. The duo’s unbeaten 168-run partnership for the fifth wicket was the cornerstone of BLB’s successful chase.
Despite SML’s bowlers trying to apply pressure, they couldn’t break the partnership between Hegde and Ahuja. HS Sharath was the pick of the bowlers for SML, claiming two wickets for 47 runs in his four-over spell. Rajvir Wadhwa and Hardik Raj each managed to pick up a wicket, but the rest of the bowling attack, including Vasuki Koushik, Anand Doddamani, and D Ashok, struggled to contain the run flow.
Koushik went wicketless, conceding 46 runs in his four overs, while Doddamani gave away 25 runs in his two overs.
In the end, BLB reached the target with ease, scoring 228-4 in just 19 overs, winning the match by six wickets. The match was a testament to the power-hitting ability of both sides, but it was BLB who emerged victorious, thanks to the extraordinary batting efforts of Hegde and Ahuja.
