The Bengaluru Blasters held their nerve in a low scoring thriller against the Hubli Tigers at the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, clinching a three-wicket win with four balls remaining. Naveen MG's 33 off 12 finishing touches and Suraj Ahuja's 27 off 20 composure took them past the 142-run target, after Rakshith S 61 off 42 starred for the Tigers with a half-century and four dismissals behind the stumps.
In reply to the Tigers, the Blasters stumbled early as Rakshith S made his presence felt behind the stumps with two catches and a stumping that left them reeling at 50/3 in 8.1 overs. Rohan Patil 1 off 7 was the first to go, edging Ritesh Bhatkal behind. Mayank Agarwal 11 off 11 followed, stumped off KC Cariappa. Opener, Chethan LR 32 off 24, who had set up for a big knock with three fours and a six, was also caught behind off Shreesha Achar.
Shubhang Hegde worked to absorb the pressure from the Tigers' spinners though he did not find support. Bhuvan Raju 7 off 10 impact player was also caught behind off Yashraj Punja to leave the Blasters at 71/4 in 12 overs and bring Suraj Ahuja to the middle.