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BLB won by 20 runs

6:17 PM IST, Local Time: Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters win by 20 runs. It was meant to be a top of the table clash but how anticlimactic that only one team stepped up on the day. The Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters were blown away less than 24 hours away, but they responded by affecting the same fate over the Coastal Kings Mangaluru. They have brought out their best again and keep their first position on the points table firmly with themselves.

Coastal Kings Mangaluru won the toss and elected to bowl first. They got rid of Bhuvan Raju early but post that the top and middle order cashed in. Every batter made a significant impact and pushed the score past 200 with ease. Rohan Patil (30 off 14), Krishna Shrijith (59 off 33) and Samir Dravid (39 off 21) set it up beautifully for the middle order. They pushed the score to 141/4 in 13 overs with some exquisite ball striking.

Captain Shubhang Hegde and Praveen Dubey made sure the start did not die down. The former scored 34 off 18 and the latter stood not out at 45 off 21. These contributions helped the Blasters reach 226/6 in 20 overs. The pick of the bowlers for the Kings was CA Karthik for his 3-49.

The chase was always going to depend on the first powerplay. The batters needed that to go their way and well it did not go as planned. Nikin Jose, the in-form batter was dismissed in the very first over for just 6. Captain Karun Nair tried to be the aggressor early on and he perished for only 10. That brought the Kings down to 23/2. The third wicket partnership was of 30 runs, but it came at a snail's rate off 28 balls.

M Venkatesh was stuck out there in the middle and could only muster 18 in his 27-ball stay. Dheeraj Gowda also failed to create an impact and was dismissed for 19. The Kings were reeling at 56/4 in 9 overs. The Coastal Kings needed 171 off 66 balls at that stage. Suraj Ahuja decided to take matters into his own hands, and it almost looked like he was batting on a different strip. With all the batters before him struggling to time the ball, he showed no signs of discomfort.

He smashed the ball left right and center. He was soon joined by CA Karthik and the latter too started stroking some big hits. The pair added 109(51)* for the 6th wicket. However, it was not enough eventually as the good work done by the Blasters initially with the ball made sure they take the contest by 20 runs.

Suraj Ahuja finished with 96* and Karthik had 49* next to his name. Only if any of the top order batters showed a tad bit more of intent, 227 could have been chased down. The pick of the bowlers was Shubhang Hegde for his 2-31.

Karun Nair (Coastal Kings Mangaluru Captain): (On the defeat and the target they had to chase) "Yeah, I think we probably gave away 20 runs too many. They batted well, but as a bowling group, I think we could have done better. There are a lot of areas where we can improve.

(On the key takeaways from the game) The message for us will be to focus on where we can improve, while also recognizing the positives. There were good things from both the bowling and batting units, but we need to work on certain areas.

(On the fight shown by Suraj and Karthik) Of course, there were a lot of positives. Suraj got important runs when we needed them, and Karthik showed what he is capable of. It was great to see the way they fought.

(On the team's batting concerns) It's really about getting a better start. We lost a few too many wickets in the Powerplay, and that's not good at all. Those are the areas we need to improve. Other than that, it was a good game of cricket. We'll take the positives, work on the areas that need improvement, and look forward to the next one."

Time for the post-match presentations.

Shubhang Hegde (Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters Captain and POTM): "[On the openers giving a solid start] I think it always helps when your openers and top 3 bat the way they did. We took it forward really well so that was very good.

[Plan with the bat] We had a simple plan of targeting the shorter side with the wind. Also, I think, some of their bowling helped us with that too.

[On Suraj Ahuja's onslaught] I think he has been playing with us for the last 3-4 years. We know what he is capable of. It was one of those days where whatever he struck went to the boundary. I think we could have been a little better in the field, but apart from that, the bowlers did a good job.

[On the team doing well so far] Yeah, everything seems to be falling in place. I feel every two points are crucial in the tournament because all the teams are so well balanced and I think moving forward hopefully we continue with this form.

[Any scope for improvement?] I think some of our death bowling and some of our fielding. I think we have given sides a lot of chances. If we take those chances, our bowling will look much better."

The Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters had a tough outing yesterday. However, they have resumed normal service as they get back to winning ways and firmly hold on to that top spot in the rankings. On this note, we would like to end our coverage for this game.

You must switch tabs now as Hubli Tigers take on Shivamogga Yodhas in less than 30 mins on the same ground as the second match of the day.

I, Manan Mehta would like to take your leave on behalf of my colleagues Dev Rajawat and Ashok Dayma. B-byeee!!!