Mysuru: A splendid all-round team effort from Belagavi Panthers saw them defeat Shivamogga Lions by five wickets in the ongoing Karnataka Premier League (KPL)-2018 encounter at the SDNR Wadiyar Stadium in city yesterday. Stuart Binny, captain of Belagavi Panthers put the opposition into bat after winning the toss. Shivamogga Lions posted a total of 163 for 8 in 20 overs. Shivamogga Lions were staring at yet another poor show when they were 100 for 5 at the end of 15 overs. Only opener Nihal Ullal (34) was able to make useful contributions in the top order. The game turned tables when Anirudha Joshi (54) and skipper Abhimanyu Mithun (23) shared a 24 ball 55 run partnership for the sixth wicket. Anirudha Joshi 54 (32b,5x4,3x6) with his big hitting abilities made sure that the Lions held their heads high after the conclusion of their innings. Shubang Hegde (1 for 12) got the ball turning and caused concerns for the batsmen as he concluded an economical spell. In Reply, Belagavi Panthers were well served by opener Dikshanshu Negi who top scored with a stroke-filled 54. He was well supported by S. Rakshith (22) and Stuart Binny (32). The Shivamogga Lions made a comeback into the match as they dismissed both Negi and Binny within a span of no time. With 45 needed of 32 balls, D. Avinash (35 n.o.), who was dropped twice, was the man that changed the game. Avinash 35 (17b,4x4,2x6) with his aggressive batting ensured to take Belagavi Panthers over the line as they finished at 166 for 5 in 19.3 overs. Negi was adjudged as the 'Man of the Match.' With this result, the Lions have now suffered their fourth successive loss in this season.
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