Ritesh Bhatkal played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 75 runs off 42 balls to steer Mysore Warriors to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Gulbarga Mystics in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 on Friday. The Warriors chased down a target of 197 in 19.3 overs, with Bhatkal anchoring the innings after early setbacks.
Match Overview
Chasing 197, the Warriors found themselves in trouble at 39 for 2 in the early overs. However, the 33-year-old Bhatkal held his nerve, striking four fours and five sixes in his innings. He was well supported by Manoj Bhandage, who contributed 24 off 15 balls, adding 37 runs in 23 balls for the third wicket to seize control of the chase.
Despite a strong bowling performance from the Mystics, led by Nathan D'Mello (3-38), Paras Gurbax Arya (2-24), and Ronit More (2-41), the Warriors managed to cross the finish line with three balls to spare.
Impact on Standings
With this win, the Warriors moved out of the bottom position, securing their third victory in eight matches. They now sit in fourth place with seven points. The Mystics, suffering their fifth loss, slipped below the Warriors with six points.
Mystics Innings
Earlier, Gulbarga Mystics were put into bat and posted a competitive total of 196 for 7 in 20 overs. After an early wobble at 24 for 2 in 2.4 overs, the team recovered through a solid partnership. Young all-rounder Dhruv Prabhakar, batting at number four, scored a fluent 51 off 35 balls, hitting six fours and a six. He was ably supported by Thippa Reddy, who smashed his second successive half-century, scoring 51 off 26 balls with five fours and three sixes. The duo added 56 runs for the fourth wicket in just 29 balls.
Manish Pandey then launched a late assault, remaining unbeaten on 41 off 19 deliveries, including six fours and a six, to propel the Mystics past the 190-run mark.
For the Warriors, Arbind Rai and Lavish Kaushal were the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 31 and 3 for 25 respectively.
Brief Scores
Gulbarga Mystics: 196/7 in 20 overs (Macneil Noronha 27, Dhruv Prabhakar 51, Thippa Reddy 51, Manish Pandey 41 not out; Arbind Rai 3-31, Lavish Kaushal 3-25) lost to Mysore Warriors: 197/7 in 19.3 overs (L R Chethan 23, Ritesh Bhatkal 75 not out, Lankesh KP 29, Manoj Bhandage 24; Nathan D'Mello 3-38, Paras Gurbax Arya 2-24, Ronit More 2-41).
