Bengaluru: Maharaja T20 trophy kicks off with scarce attendance

Bengaluru Blasters took on Gulbarga Mystics in the afternoon and Mysuru Warriors took on Hubi Tigers later in the evening in the Chinnaswamy stadium to initiate proceedings for the 8th season of the Mahraja T20 trophy formerly known as the Karnataka Premier League. 

Bengaluru Blasters did not get off to a good start losing both openers early. However, the middle order offered some stability with Suraj Ahuja scoring a well made unbeaten fifty. However, they were unable to accelerate in the final stages with star pacer Abhilash Shetty being reintroduced. Gulbarga Mystics were set a target of 138 but never looked to be in unease throughout the chase despite Shubhang Hegde picking up 3 wickets. Abhilash Shetty was adjudged to be the man of the match. 

Later in the day, Mysore Warriors did not get any momentum to go their way after losing wickets in quick succession. They scored 11 in 20 overs. Hubli Tigers were set a revised target of 80 in 13 overs after a brief spell of rain. Prasidh Krishna gave a good start by having opener Luvinth Sisodia clean bowled for a duck in the first over. This would give him a much needed boost ahead of his visit to Ireland as part of the Indian squad. However, after some initial hiccups Hubli Tigers comfortably reached the target on the back of an unbeaten 30-ball 61 from Mohammed Tahia. 

Mitrakanth Singh was adjudged man of the match for being the leading wicket taker for Hubli Tigers. 

Concerns have however been raised with regard to the low attendance for the event. Both the winners of the matches on August 13th will face each other in the evening on August 14th and prior to that Mangalore Dragons and Shivamogga Dragons will face each other in their first match for the season.