KPL 2016: Mangalore United saved by rain in clash against Bijapur Bulls
Hubbali. September 21: Rain saved Mangalore United from great embarrassment after they were reduced to 45 for seven from nine overs by champions Bijapur Bulls in the fifth edition of the Karbonn KPL powered by Cycle Pure Agarbathies T20 cricket tournament at the KSCA Stadium in Rajnagar on Wednesday.
Mangalore were fortified by the return of star batsman Karun Nair. The batsman, who was away representing India A on the tour of Australia and hence missed the initial KPL matches, was back in the mix and opened the batting today.
Also read: KPL 2016: Know your team - Bijapur Bulls
But the Bijapur Bulls, who won the toss and inserted the opposition, came out with aggressive intent to push Mangalore on the mat. Paceman Abhimanyu Mithun was devastating in the first two overs. He got the ball to nip off the seam at a menacing pace and dismissed last match centurion Nishant Sekhawat with the first ball of the match. Next, over he had left-hander Shishir Bhavane edging to the keeper.
At the other end, Zahroor Farooqui got the prize wicket of Karun Nair who was out hooking. Suddenly the Mangalore innings was in a complete mess as they lost their top seven batsmen. Then came the rain that saved their day.
Also read: KPL 2016: Know your team – Mangalore United
Mithun, Farooqui and MG Naveen each picked up two wickets.
The teams pocketed a point each.
Teams | Match | Won | Lost | Pts |
Mysuru Warriors | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
Belgavi panthers | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
Hubli Tigers | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
Bijapur bulls | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Mangalore United | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Namma Shivamogga | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Bellary Tuskers | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Rock Stars | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
All matches of the Karbonn KPL 2016 will be telecast live and exclusive on Sony ESPN SD and Sony ESPN HD Channels.