KPL 2015 Match 26: Belagavi Panthers v Bijapur Bulls, Review

KPL 2015 Match 26: Belagavi Panthers v Bijapur Bulls, Review: Mysuru, Sept 16: An unbeaten 60 by skipper R Vinay Kumar and his 61-run association for the second wicket with Stalin Hoover (41) paved the way for Belagavi Panthers’ convincing seven wicket victory over Bijapur Bulls in the Karbonn Smart KPL 2015 here on Wednesday Night.

With the victory the Panthers achieved two things; they went to the top of the table with a net run rate of +1.375 as against Bijapur Bulls’ +1.000; secondly they handed the Bulls their first defeat to ensure no team stayed unbeaten in the league phase.

Chasing The Bulls’ painfully slow 118, Belagavi lost opener Reddy early. But Stalin and Vinay made merry on a wicket that was difficult to bat on. Three teams, two from the first match and the Bulls in the second failed to come to terms with the slowness of the wicket and struggled to make runs.

But the Panthers showed that they had shrugged off the lethargy they displayed on Monday night and went about ensuring victory for themselves.

After the fall of Hoover, Vinay continued to call the shots and led his team through.

Earlier, Bijapur Bulls were in all kinds of trouble losing wickets in quick bursts. Even the batsmen who spent time in the middle for a fair bit were guilty of throwing their wicket away.

Thanks to Nidesh M (24 N.O.) and Vyshak (21), the Bulla managed to post 118 in their allotted 20 overs, struggling at 73 for seven at one point of time.

The two teams will clash again in Qualifier One on Friday evening.