Hubli Tigers Triumph Over Mangaluru Dragons Amidst Rain Interruptions

The reigning champions, Hubli Tigers, secured a 15-run victory over the Mangaluru Dragons at the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 in a rain-affected match. Notable contributions included a brisk partnership by Manish Pandey and Thippa Reddy, and key performances from the Tigers' openers and bowlers.

Reigning champions, Hubli Tigers, kicked off their campaign with a win over the Mangaluru Dragons at the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20. Despite frequent rain interruptions, the Tigers managed to restrict Mangaluru to 143/7 in 16 overs. A crucial partnership between Manish Pandey (24*) and Thippa Reddy (19*) kept the Tigers ahead when rain paused the game, eventually leading to a 15-run victory via the VJD method.

Chasing a revised target of 80 runs in seven overs, Hubli openers Mohd Taha (12) and T Reddy began strongly, amassing 22 runs before Taha was caught by wicketkeeper KV Siddharth off MB Darshan's delivery. Skipper Manish Pandey then took charge, guiding the Tigers through a 13-run over against Shreyas Gopal, complemented by boundaries and swift running. Pandey and Thippa Reddy's efforts brought the score to 68/1 in 5.1 overs before another rain spell concluded the match in Hubli's favor.

Earlier in the innings, Mangaluru's openers Macneil Noronha (23) and Rohan Patil (24) set a brisk pace, scoring 44 runs in the first four overs. Patil showcased his power-hitting with three sixes but was dismissed along with Noronha shortly after. With the Dragons at 69/2 at the powerplay's end, Nikin Jose (33) stabilized the innings allowing KV Siddharth (44) to accelerate the scoring. Siddharth hit three fours and three sixes before being dismissed by Shreesha Achar. Brief contributions from lower-order batsmen, including Lankesh KS (11) and MB Darshan (4), helped Mangaluru post a total of 143/7 in 16 overs.

(With inputs from agencies.)