A remarkable 118-run opening partnership between Luvnith Sisodia and MG Naveen set the stage for Shivamogga Yodhas’ convincing 42-run win over Hubli Tigers in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament. The Shivamogga Yodhas, batting first, got off to a flying start with Sisodia and Naveen scoring 73 runs in the powerplay and eventually reaching 118 runs in just 61 deliveries. Sisodia contributed 57 runs off 33 balls, while Naveen played a brilliant innings of 75 runs, including five fours and six sixes.
Skipper Smaran Ravichandran, after Sisodia’s departure, continued the onslaught alongside Naveen, adding 65 runs for the second wicket in a mere 36 balls to propel Shivamogga Yodhas to a formidable total of 220 for five. In response, Hubli Tigers showed promise with a 74-run partnership for the second wicket between Mohammed Taha and Hardik Raj, keeping their chase alive momentarily.
However, left-arm seamer Abhilash Shetty turned the game in Shivamogga Yodhas’ favor by taking two crucial wickets in his third over, dismissing Taha and Abhinav Manohar in quick succession to leave Hubli Tigers struggling at 98 for five. Despite a valiant effort from captain Mayank Agarwal, the required run rate escalated rapidly, leading to Hubli Tigers being bowled out for 178 in 19.3 overs.
This victory marked Shivamogga Yodhas’ second win in four matches, propelling them to the second spot on the points table with four points. On the other hand, Hubli Tigers faced their first defeat of the season following a washed-out tournament opener against Coastal Kings Mangaluru.
