Gulbarga Mystics snatched a thrilling four-wicket win over Hubli Tigers in an exciting run-chase to keep their hopes alive in theMaharaja Trophy KSCA T20 at the SDNR Wadiyar stadium in Mysuru on Monday. It was valuable knocks by Smaran Ravichandran 52 off 39 balls and Prajwal Pavan 37 off 28 balls that aided a successful chase with two balls to spare while Shashi Kumar K and Lavish Kaushal bagged two wickets each to restrict the Tigers total to 158 in 20 overs.
Although Mystics' run chase began on shaky ground with Tigers' spinner Ritesh Bhatkal striking early in the opening over dismissing Nikin Jose to just four runs. Siddharth KV was next to followwhen Padikkal caught a stunning catch off Cariappa's bowling. With the score reading 12 for 2 in 2.1 overs, Mystics were left wanting by the Tigers bowlers. Luvnith Sisodia too went in the same over, once again it was a splendid catch by Samarth Nagaraj at square leg. This effort won him the Catch of the Match, rightfully so, for picking the catch just inches from the ground.
Losing three wickets with just 15 runs on board was not the kind of start Mystics imagined but No.4 batter Smaran Ravichandran was the hero who saved the innings with a brave 52 off 39 balls with three sixes and one four. He was well assisted by Prajwal Pavan who scored a steady 37 off 28 balls with two fours and three sixes. The pair put on a crucial 71-run partnership for the fourth wicket. It was eventually Samarth Nagaraj who broke the partnership when he picked up Pavan's wicket in the 11thover while Smaran was dismissed by Yash Raj Punja in the 15thover when he was caught by Manavath Kumar.