So well, that's about it from today's first KPL game, do join us for the second game that begins soon - it is the Bijapur Bulls facing the Ballari Tuskers. See ya there!
There is no change in standings for either side - Hubli stays second with three wins from three games and behind Bengaluru on net run-rate, while Mysuru stays fourth, with one win from two games.
Vinay Kumar, the Hubli Tigers' captain: "We were missing Abhishek Sakuhja who is our main death bowler, so I had to take the responsibility. Happy with way the boys stepped up. Mysuru played really well. We can take a lot of positives, especially how the youngsters performed. But at the same time we can also work on our fielding - had we taken our chances, we could have won more easily."
Jagadeesha Suchith, the Mysuru Warriors captain: "I think we had a good game. Unfortunately we ended up on the losing side. It is still early days in the tournament. A lot of credit goes to Manager, backed himself and played some amazing shots."
It was all free-flow for Warriors when Hoysala, Amit and Raju were there at the crease, as they scored but at 91 in the first ten overs.
But then some quick wickets started hampering with the chase, and the side lost track of what they were meant to do. It was not until Shoaib shone, that things looked hopeful for Mysuru again. With his dismissal, however, the side crumbled down inches short of the finish line.
It was an amazing game. The flow of momentum kept shifting between the two sides, and in the end, every run mattered, as Hubli completes a narrow win. Just imagine - had Mysuru bowled just four wides lesser, the result would have been different. That is how close this match was.
Excellent last over from Kranthi Kumar, he did it for his side under pressure. After giving away 9 in five it was a brilliant decision to use a slower delivery in the very last ball, and it is game over for the Warriors.
But no! it's a WICKET! Manjunath lashes out wildly at the ball, fails to connect, and the ball will fly high but short, to short third man, where the fielder accepts it with open hands (literally).
S P Manjunath c Mahesh Patel b Kranthi Kumar 8(9) [4s-1], fall of wicket 179/9 in 20 overs.
15 runs off that over. Shoaib departed, but not before inflicting enough damage. Two sixes from him, as he crossed his fifty. 13 runs needed in 6 balls now.
AND BIG WICKET! Shoaib is gone. After a couple of maximums, he holes one out to the fielder at sweeper cover, just when the Warriors were in sight of a victory. Darshan is delirious.
Shoaib Manager c (sub)Shivraj S b Darshan MB 58(31) [4s-4 6s-4], fall of wicket 169/8 in 18.5 overs.
FIFTY! Remarkable innings from Shoaib there. And what a way to reach there. Hits a humongous six over long-on to reach the mark. 51*(28) so far. 4 fours, 3 sixes.
Twelve runs off it. Shoaib continues to reach the ropes at least once every over - this time too, and it's a six. Remember that he was dropped early on. Meanwhile, The Warriors cross 150. 33 needed in 18 now.
Kranthi injured himself after the first ball, after which Darshan completed the rest of the over.
The death overs will begin now. The equation has come down to 55 needed in 30 balls. They did well in the first ten overs, but then some repeated fall of wickets have hampered the chase. What will happen next?
Nine runs from it, including a six from Shoaib - the fielder at long-on could have latched on to the ball, but instead drops it over the fence. The Warriors bring up their 100.
ANOTHER WICKET! Mahesh brings out his bag of tricks. Poor shot from Siddharth, as he moved away and then tried to latch on to a cut, only for Taha to claim a catch at backward point. Hubli taking charge now. Mahesh on a hattrick.
Siddharth c Taha b Mahesh Patel 0(1), fall of wicket 91/5 in 10.2 overs.
Despite the fall of wickets, Warriors have been able to maintain a run-rate above nine in the end of the first half of their innings. But with Amit falling just now, it will be make-or-break at this stage for them. Hubli may as well exercise their authority over the game now.
Eight runs from that over, but the highlight will be Amit's wicket. He was in form for Mysuru in the last game as well. Suchith opens his account with a four.
AND AGAIN, WICKET! Debutant's magic on show here. Amit floats one over long-off, but there is a fielder in the deep, and the ball will perch right in his palms. Important wicket, that. Will Suraj turn the whole game around?
Amit Verma c Kranthi Kumar b Suraj Seshadri 24(16) [4s-4], fall of wicket 83/3 in 9.1 overs.
WICKET! Raju hits one high over mid-off, and Vinay Kumar runs in all the way from extra cover, makes a spectacular dive, and completes the catch. The debutant is having a good day. Both Hubli openers in his pockets now.
Bhatkal c Vinay Kumar b Suraj Seshadri 22(19) [4s-2], fall of wicket 71/2 in 7.2 overs.
A big wicket on debut for Suraj, that too on his very first ball. But then Amit smacked two fours, in an attempt to get back the momentum. Ten runs from the over.
AND WICKET! Immediate result. Man-in-form Arjun tries to give himself some run to make a cut, he misses but the ball doesn't. Knocking the bails right off.
Arjun Hoysala b Suraj Seshadri 32(18) [4s-2 6s-3], fall of wicket 53/1 in 5.1 overs.
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