The match was defined by a spectacular unbeaten 125-run partnership between Aneesh KV and Smaran R, which helped the Yodhas chase down the target with ease. Earlier, the Yodhas’ bowlers had restricted the opponents to a competitive yet gettable total.
Shivamogga Yodhas’ bowlers set the tone by dismissing Coastal Kings Mangaluru for 162/7 in 20 overs. Shreesha Achar, Abhilash Shetty, and Dhanush Gowda each picked up two wickets for 33 runs, showcasing disciplined bowling throughout the innings.
Coastal Kings started steadily with Aadharsh (24 off 17) and Nikin Jose (51 off 41) adding 35 runs for the first wicket. However, the momentum shifted when Dhanush Gowda struck twice in the sixth over, removing Aadharsh and Karun Nair in quick succession. Shreesha Achar further dented the batting in the eighth over by dismissing Siddharth Akhil and Shreyas Gopal.
Nikin Jose held the innings together, forming a crucial 43-run partnership with Suraj Ahuja (39 off 19). CA Karthik (36 not out off 20) provided a late flourish with explosive batting, but Abhilash Shetty’s late breakthroughs ensured Coastal Kings could not cross the 170-run mark.
Chasing 163, Shivamogga Yodhas got off to a shaky start, slumping to 40/3 within the powerplay. Vasuki Koushik and Nischith Pai struck early blows, dismissing Luvnith Sisodia, Tushar Singh, and Naveen MG. At this critical juncture, Aneesh KV and Smaran R took charge of the innings.
The duo forged a match-winning, unbeaten 125-run stand off just 75 balls. Aneesh KV played an aggressive knock, scoring a fluent half-century in 31 balls and finishing with 76 not out, studded with eight fours and two sixes. Smaran R complemented him perfectly, reaching his half-century in 32 balls with six fours and two sixes.
By the 15th over, the Yodhas were in a commanding position at 127/3. Aneesh continued the assault with three boundaries in the 16th over, while Smaran sealed the victory in style by hitting the winning six in the 18.2nd over.
This victory highlights the depth and fighting spirit of the Shivamogga Yodhas. The middle-order resilience displayed by Aneesh and Smaran will boost team confidence as the tournament progresses. For Coastal Kings, the loss highlights the need to strengthen their bowling attack in the death overs.
The Maharaja Trophy continues to deliver exciting contests, showcasing young talent and seasoned performers from Karnataka. Shivamogga Yodhas’ rise to second place makes them a strong contender for the playoffs.
Brief Scores: Coastal Kings Mangaluru 162/7 in 20 overs (Nikin Jose 51, Suraj Ahuja 39, CA Karthik 36*; Shreesha Achar 2/33, Abhilash Shetty 2/33, Dhanush Gowda 2/33) lost to Shivamogga Yodhas 165/3 in 18.2 overs (Aneesh KV 76*, Smaran R 53*; Nischith Pai 2/35) by 7 wickets.
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