Ballari Tuskers used as many as six bowlers to exploit a slow strip at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to edge out Belagavi Panthers in their Karnataka Premier League contest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, here yesterday.
After Shivamogga Lions made short work of Hubli Tigers in the day’s first encounter, it was Tuskers’ turn to shine in the event. Despite Devdutt Padikkal’s half-century and a couple of crucial cameos from Abhishek Reddy and C.M. Gautam, the Tuskers, who were put into bat, compiled only 144 for 5 in 20 overs. Panthers would have fancied their chances, but a sticky wicket restricted Mir Kaunian Abbas’ men to 138 for 8 in 20 overs. But they didn’t go down without a fight, one which was inspired by Abhinav Manohar (26), Ritesh Bhatkal (27) and Shubhang Hedge (14).
