JOIN USMangalore United start campaign on a high
The opening match of the third edition of the Karnataka Premier League had all the possibilities of being a mismatch. After all, Rockstars, a team made up of film stars, were taking on Mangalore United, hardcore professionals and the defending champions of the tournament.
After the tournament got off to a colourful start, the Rockstars produced a good effort under lights at the Gangotri Glades. First, they notched up 117 for seven in 20 overs against a team that had as many as five bowlers who have represented Karnataka at various levels.
Fighting effort
Of course, their bowlers didn’t stand a chance against a Mangalore line-up that has a set of State batsmen, but the Rockstars didn’t allow them to run away with the match. United made 118 for three in 18.1 overs to register a seven-wicket victory on Thursday.
Karun Nair, who had an impressive run for Karnataka in the last Ranji season, led the United’s charge with a 46 off 44 balls with five fours and a six. Ganesh Satish (27 off 23 balls) and Pawan Deshpande (22 n.o. off 23 balls) also contributed to United’s win with 1.5 overs to spare.
Vikrant took two wickets for 19 runs for the Rockstars. Rockstars, led by Kannada superstar Sudeep, could have made the match much more interesting had they managed to hold on to a couple of catches and a run-out chance.
United’s new ball bowlers Ronit More and SL Akshay came up with tight spells from either ends but without getting too much success. It was off-spinner Udit Patel who pushed Rockstars to the wall, bagging three wickets for 25 runs in four overs.
Mitrakant chipped in with two wickets for 12 runs from three overs. Pradeep was the top-scorer for the Rockstars, making 44 runs off 39 balls with three fours and two sixes. Rajeev gave him ample support with a breezy 34 that came off just 24 balls including six fours and one hit for maximum.
Brief scores: Rockstars: 117/7 in 20 overs (Pradeep 44, Rajeev 34; Udit Patel 3-25, Mitrakant 2-12) lt to Mangalore United: 118/3 in 18.1 overs (Karun Nair 46, Ganesh Satish 27; Vikrant 2-19) by seven wickets.