KPL 2015, Match 18: Mangalore United vs Bellary Tuskers preview

Tuskers’ players during practice session

Mysuru, September 11: Robbed of two contests that were washed away by rain, Mangalore United are desperate to get a game and get going when they take on Bellary Tuskers in the second match at the SDNR Wadiyar cricket ground in the Karbonn Smart KPL 2015 on Saturday.

Mangalore were forced to split points with Bijapur Bulls before rains again forced the abandonment of their tie with Hubli Tigers.

Ironically while the first match on Thursday was washed out, the second match between Bellary Tuskers and the Rockstars witnessed a 14-overs a side contest. The second match happening was only possible due to the phenomenal work and effort by the ground staff at Hubballi.

Mangalore United have ridden on some exciting batting by young Karun Nair. However, the team will have his presence for just one more league game as he will head off with three others to do duty for India ‘A’ in the three one-dayers against Bangladesh ‘A’.

That will certainly make it more difficult for the season II winners in this edition.

On the other hand, Bellary Tuskers may have an outside chance of squeezing through to the qualifiers, if only they win the rest of their three remaining matches.

Their confidence will be high in the way they picked up their first victory, even if it was against the Rockstars.

The opening pair of Pavan Deshpande and Bharat Chipli dug deep into their experience and put up a splendid display that had the crowd pleading for more.

If that was not enough, the way the bowlers went about their job was would have warmed coach Yere Goud and team owner Arvind Reddy’s hearts.