Mystics power past Blasters

Bengaluru: Defending champions Gulbarga Mystics got their KSCA Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament campaign off to a winning start. At the M Chinnaswamy stadium here on Sunday, they eased past last year’s runners-up Bengaluru Blasters, scoring a six-wicket victory.Invited to bat, Bengaluru were restricted to 137/6 in 20 overs. Pacers Abhilash (3/17) and Sharan Goud (2/24) proved vital for the holders. Abhilash sent D Nischal (1) and skipper Mayank Agarwal (4) back to the dugout within the third over.At the end of the powerplay, Bengaluru were reeling at 43/2. With the runs drying up, Pavan Deshpande (14) and Jeswanth Acharya (29) came together to construct a critical partnership before Suraj Ahuja (62n.o) began the fireworks. Ahuja’s unbeaten knock came off just 46 deliveries.OFF TO GREAT STARTIn reply, Gulbarga looked to make a quick meal of their target. Openers LR Chethan (36) and Adarsh Prajwal (31) displayed their intent from the first over. By the end of the powerplay, Chethan had cleared the ropes on three occasions to ensure Gulbarga were sitting comfortably at 61/0. A crafty spell from spinner Shubhang Hegde saw him scalp Chethan, Adarsh and Smaran R (8).However, the explosive start followed by contributions from KV Aneesh (29n.o) and the experienced Amit Verma (28) ensured Gulbarga sailed home with six wickets and 15 balls to spare.HUBLI HAVE IT EASYIn a rain-affected contest, Hubli Tigers strolled past Mysuru Warriors with a nine-wicket victory. After restricting Mysuru to 111/9, Hubli were set a target of 82 in 13 overs becasue of the rain interruption. They overhauled the target in 8.1 overs with Mohd Taha slamming an unbeaten 61.Brief scores: Bengaluru Blasters: 137/6 in 20 overs (Jeswath Acharya 29, Suraj Ahuja 62n.o; Abhilash Shetty 3-17, Sharan Goud 2-24) lost to Gulbarga Mystics: 138/4 in 17.3 overs (LR Chethan 36, Aadarsh Prajwal 31, KV Aneesh 29n.o, Amit Verma 28; Shubhang Hegde 3-25).Mysuru Warriors: 111/9 in 20 overs (Vidwath Kaverappa 2-20, Lavish Kaushal 2-23, Mitrakanth Singh 3-17) lost to Hubli Tigers: 82/1 in 8.1 overs (Mohd Taha 61n.o).