In a rain-filled game here on Friday, the reigning champions Hubli Tigers defeated the Mangaluru Dragons by a score of 15 runs (VJD method) to begin their Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 campaign.
After a severe period of rain, the target was lowered to 80 in seven overs by the Tigers, who had restricted Mangaluru to 143 for seven in 16 overs.
With Thippa Reddy (19 not out) and captain Manish Pandey (24 not out), the Tigers were able to reach 69 for one in 5.1 overs, 15 runs ahead of the VJD par total at that point.
Prior to this, Macneil Noronha (age 23) and Rohan Patil (age 24) of the Dragons set the pace, scoring 44 runs in the opening four overs.
At the end of the powerplay, at 69 for 2, the Dragons were well-positioned.
After dropping the anchor, Nikin Jose (33) let KV Siddharth (44) take over. With their combined efforts, the Dragons were able to achieve a respectable total before the heavens opened, ending the innings early.
Brief Scores: Mangaluru Dragons: 143/7 in 16 overs (KV Siddharth 44, Nikin Jose 33, LR Kumar 3/30) lost to Hubli Tigers: 69/1 in 5.1 overs (Manish Pandey 24 not out) by 15 runs (VJD method).
