"VAN" (Sports Desk - 14.08.2023) :: Opening batter LR Chethan and medium pacer Abhilash Shetty ensured Gulbarga Mystics got off to a winning start in their campaign to defend the title at the second edition of Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, powered by FanCode, which began today at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. They triumphed over last year’s runners-up Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters with six wickets in hand.
With the game cheered on by sparsely present Sunday audience, the match involved some nail-biting moments with both sides living up to the billing, recreating glimpses of last year’s final.
Abhilash Shetty’s (3/17) hauler and Sharan Goud’s (2/24) proved vital in Gulbarga Mystics win with essential contributions from top order batsman LR Chethan who scored a quickfire 36 off 24 balls.
Earlier in the day, Gulbarga Mystics put Bengaluru Blasters to bat. The team’s decision worked like magic with Abhilash Shetty sending D Nischal (1) and skipper Mayank Agarwal (4) back to the dugout within the third over.
At the end of the powerplay the Blasters were reeling at 43/2. With the runs drying up, Pavan Deshpande (14) and Jeswanth Acharya (29) came together to construct a critical partnership, before Suraj Ahuja (62*) began the fireworks. Though he started with caution, he quickly made up for it, dispatching Appanna KP for four boundaries in the fifteenth over. Ahuja’s unbeaten knock of 62 came in just 46 deliveries, helping the Blasters finish with a mildly competitive total of 137/6.
In response, the Mystics looked to make a quick meal of their target. Openers LR Chethan (36) and Adarsh Prajwal (31) displayed their intent from the first over. By the end of the powerplay, LR Chethan had cleared the ropes on three occasions to ensure the Mystics were sitting comfortably at 61/0. A crafty spell from spinner, Shubang Hegde, saw him scalp Chethan, Adarsh and Smaran R (8).
However, the explosive start followed by contributions from KV Aneesh (29*) and the experienced Amit Verma (28) ensured the Gulbarga Mystics sailed home with six wickets and 15 balls to spare.
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