Warangal Warriors clinched a five-wicket victory against Anvita Khammam Aces in Season 1 of TG20 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal. Opening batsman Harshit Choudhary’s unbeaten 121 off 62 balls guided the Warriors to chase down 203 runs for their first win. In the first innings, Mohd. Abdul Malik and Murugan Abhishek’s bowling efforts restricted the Aces to 202 despite strong performances from Mayank Gupta and Mickil Jaiswal.
Aces started aggressively with Wafi Kachchhi and Mayank scoring ten runs in the first over. Wafi hit consecutive sixes before Abdul Malik dismissed him early. Mayank then partnered with Himateja Kodimela for a quick 47-run stand. Abdul Malik’s crucial wickets kept the Aces in check, with the team at 60/2 at the end of the Power-play.
Despite losing wickets, Aces kept the momentum going with Mayank and Prateek Reddy adding 35 runs. However, Abhishek’s timely breakthroughs limited the Aces’ progress. Mayank and Mickil Jaiswal’s fifty-plus scores propelled the Aces, but a collapse ensued after their dismissals. Abdul Malik, Abhishek, Pallepati Kranthi, and Mudassar combined to bowl out the Aces for 202.
Warriors’ strong start in the chase, led by Harshit, set the tone with 28 runs in the first two overs. Aman Rao Perala’s early dismissal was a setback, but Harshit’s resilience, along with Rishiket Sisodia, stabilized the innings. The required run rate was kept in check with a solid partnership in the Power-play. Ved Reddy’s breakthrough brought hope for the Aces, but Harshit’s century in 48 balls guided the Warriors to a successful chase.
In a tense finish, Harshit’s maturity and unbeaten century ensured the Warriors’ victory, despite a late wicket. Adi Mani Kiran’s cameo supported Harshit as they sealed a five-wicket win for their team.
