Abhinav Manohar’s 70 Sparks Shivamogga Lions' Dominant Win Over Hubli Tigers

Abhinav Manohar's explosive 70-run knock led the Shivamogga Lions to a six-wicket victory over the Hubli Tigers in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20. Supported by key performances from Vasuki Koushik and D Avinash, the Lions chased down 141 in 15.1 overs, securing a convincing win.

Abhinav Manohar scripted a brilliant innings to help the Shivamogga Lions defeat the Hubli Tigers by six wickets in match no. 20 at the Shriram Capital Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20. Manohar smashed an awe-inspiring 70 off 27 balls, showcasing why he's the tournament's highest-paid player, and featuring nine sixes and two fours.

Adding to Shivamogga's morale-boosting win were bowlers Vasuki Koushik and D Avinash, who grabbed three wickets each. Their efforts restricted the Tigers to 141 runs in 19.3 overs, maintaining an average run rate of 7.7 per over. Early in the chase, the opening duo of Dheeraj Mohan (17) and Nihal Ullal laid a steady foundation with 32 runs.

Although Bharath Dhuri fell cheaply, Ullal remained unbeaten at 37, partnering effectively with Manohar to form a crucial 81-run third-wicket partnership off 36 balls. Despite Manohar being dismissed in the 11th over by Aneeshwar Gautam, Ullal guided the team to a win in 15.1 overs.

Following their historic triple Super Over win, the Hubli Tigers seemed optimistic as they batted first. However, Vasuki Kaushik's dream opening spell derailed their plans, reducing them to 2 for 4. Key contributions came from Krishnan Shrijith and Thippa Reddy, who added 43 runs, and skipper Manish Pandey, who scored a resilient 44.

Pandey's innings, along with an important 6th wicket partnership of 48 runs with LR Kumar, helped the Tigers post 141. Despite late innings heroics by Manvanth Kumar with a quickfire 28, the Tigers couldn't defend their total.

The final overs saw Avinash and Hardik Raj deliver crucial blows to the Tigers' lower order, sealing Shivamogga's victory. Brief Score: Hubli Tigers 141/10 in 19.3 overs (Manish Pandey 44 off 31 balls, Manvanth Kumar 28 off 13 balls, V Koushik 3/12, D Avinash 3/34) vs Shivamogga Lions 147/4 in 15.1 overs (Abhinav Manohar 70 off 27 balls, Nihal Ullal 37* off 34 balls, Manvanth Kumar 3/13).

(With inputs from agencies.)