Chethan, Mayank win Maharaja Trophy opener for Bengaluru Blasters

The Bengaluru Blasters opened their campaign in the Maharaja Trophy 2024 with a commanding nine-wicket victory over the Gulbarga Mystics. Bengaluru’s bowlers shone in the first innings, restricting Gulbarga to 116/10 with shrewd performances. 

Lavish Kaushal (2/22) and Naveen MG (2/8) made early breakthroughs, while Aditya Goyal (3/43) dismantled the middle order. Bengaluru’s run-chase was driven by stellar innings from Chethan LR (53) and Mayank Agarwal (47*), who guided their team to victory in just 11.2 overs. 

Captain Mayank and Chethan did not disappoint the massive crowd in attendance, chasing down more than half of their target within the powerplay. Chethan brought up his half-century in just 33 balls with the help of five boundaries and three sixes before being dismissed by Vyshakh Vijaykumar in the 10th over. 

Mayank, who struck six fours and a maximum in his 29-ball knock, was joined by Bhuvan Raju (7*) as the Blasters romped home to a nine-wicket win with 8.4 overs to spare. 

Earlier, Gulbarga had a fiery start. The opening duo of Luvnith Sisodia (14) and Devdutt Padikkal (20) raced to a 40-run partnership in just 13 balls. Sisodia’s three boundaries off the first three balls set the tone, but Kaushal removed him in the third over. Padikkal was then dismissed by Naveen. With the score at 56/4 at the end of the powerplay, the Mystics were reeling.  

Sharath BR (13) and Pravin Dubey (19) attempted to steady the ship, but both fell to Goyal in the middle overs. Goyal continued his onslaught, dismissing Vyshak Vijaykumar for a golden duck as well. With the tail exposed, the Blasters quickly wrapped up the innings. Mohsin Khan took out Prithviraj Shekhawat (10) and Ritesh Bhatkal (0), while Shubhang Hegde claimed Sharan Goud (4) to bowl out the Mystics for 116 in 16.4 overs. 

Brief Scores:

Gulbarga Mystics 116/10 in 16.4 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 20 off 9; Aditya Goyal 3/43) lost to Bengaluru Blasters 117/1 in 11.2 overs (Chethan LR 53 off 34, Mayank Agarwal 47* off 29; Vyshak Vijaykumar 1/44) by 9 wickets

Player of the Match: Gnaneshwer Naveen

(Inputs from Maharaja T20 Media Release)

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