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,7x4,3x6) 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,3x4,3x6) 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,2x4,4x6) 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
