Mysore Warriors Crowned Maharaja Trophy Champions with 45-Run Victory
Mysore Warriors emerged victorious in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament, claiming a 45-run triumph over Bengaluru Blasters in the final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Batting first, the Warriors amassed a formidable total of 207 for four wickets. Opener S.U. Karthik set the tone with a blistering 71 off 44 deliveries, including seven boundaries and three sixes. Skipper Karun Nair contributed a steady 66 off 45 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes.
The Warriors’ middle order provided valuable support. Manoj Bhandage played a whirlwind knock of 44 not out off just 13 deliveries, smashing three sixes and a four off the final four balls of the innings. This late surge propelled the Warriors’ total beyond the 200-run mark.
In response, the Blasters struggled to keep pace with the Warriors’ imposing target. L.R. Chethan top-scored with 51, while M. Kranthikumar remained unbeaten on 39. However, the Blasters’ chase was hampered by the Warriors’ disciplined bowling attack.
All-rounder Vidyadhar Patil was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 19 runs. Senior off-spinner K. Gowtham also chipped in with two wickets for 23 runs. The Blasters were eventually restricted to 162 for eight wickets, falling short of the Warriors’ total.
The Warriors’ victory marked their second Maharaja Trophy triumph, having previously won the tournament in 2014 when it was known as the Karnataka Premier League. The team’s success was a testament to their fine batting performance and first-rate bowling.