Can Bengaluru Blasters Secure a Second Win Over Shivamogga Lions in the Maharaja Trophy 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shubhang Hegde led the Blasters with exceptional bowling and batting.
- The match was played in a modified six-overs format due to rain.
- Bengaluru Blasters showcased strong team performance.
- Mysore hosted this thrilling encounter.
- The match highlights the competitive nature of T20 cricket in India.
Mysore, Aug 15 (NationPress) Captain Shubhang Hegde shone brightly with a remarkable three-wicket haul, leading the Bengaluru Blasters to an emphatic eight-wicket victory against the Shivamogga Lions in a rain-shortened six-overs-a-side encounter of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, held at the Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Stadium on Friday.
Choosing to bowl first, Hegde’s impressive figures of (3/7) alongside Mohsin Khan’s economical spell of (2-5) restricted the Lions to 62/6, despite a solid start from Nihal Ullal.
The Blasters' pursuit began with fireworks as the in-form Chethan LR smashed two sixes and a four off Vidwath Kaverappa in the opening over. Vasuki Koushik dismissed Chethan in the second over, while Anand Doddamani (impact player) removed opener Rohan Patil, leaving the Blasters at 31/2 in just 2.3 overs.
Mayank Agarawal (18 not out off 10) hit a six and a four off Hardik Raj, while Shubhang Hegde (14 not out off 4) struck two consecutive sixes in the same over, contributing 23 runs to ease the run chase. The duo remained unbeaten, guiding the Blasters to victory in 4.2 overs and marking their second straight win.
Earlier, captain Nihal Ullal (31 off 12) provided a blazing start for the Lions, hitting two sixes and a four off Vidyadhar Patil in the initial over. Ullal continued to score freely, but Blasters’ captain Shubhang Hegde claimed the wicket of opener Aneeshwar Gautam (1) in the third over, which yielded only four runs.
The Lions reached 38/1 after three overs, but Mohsin Khan turned the tide by taking the critical wickets of both Nihal Ullal and Hardik Raj in the following over.
Shubhang Hegde made a spectacular catch off his own bowling in the fifth over, dismissing Anirudha Joshi during a brief stay. He struck again on the next delivery, removing Aniruddha Joshi (4 off 4).
Naveen M.G. commenced the final over with the wicket of Rohit Kumar, but Darshan MB (14 off 5) launched two sixes, aiding the Lions to finish at 62/6.