Hubli Tigers start KPLon a winning note

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Bengaluru, September 1: Hubli Tigers mastered a sluggish pitch and Belagavi Panthers in some style to begin their campaign in the sixth edition of the Karnataka Premier League on a winning note at the M Chinnaswamy stadium here on Friday (September 1).
Leading the successful chase of Hubli Tigers from the hull was man of the match KV Siddharth who made an unbeaten 61.

The fifty enabled Hubli to overcome a relatively easy target of 128 with plenty to spare for a six-wicket win.

Batting first, Panthers slithered to 127 for eight in their full quota of 20 overs. Sunil Kumar Jain top-scored for them with an unbeaten 39 under lights when other batsmen struggled for timing and momentum.

However, the Tigers' did not have a smooth beginning to their hunt, losing three wickets in the initial phase. But Siddharth and skipper R Vinay Kumar added precious 54 runs for the fourth wicket to ward off the anxiety in Tigers' camp.

The partnership came at a fast clip leaving Panthers with hardly any answers. They managed to snap the alliance in the 14th over but by then the Tigers were so close to the tape.

For his all-round effort (22 and two wickets), Vinay was awarded the player of the match award.

"We lost three wickets upfront, so the word from the dug out was to stay till the end. I am happy that I was able to carry it out and lead the team to victory," said Siddharth.

Vinay was a chuffed man after a fine start to his team's title quest. "We are a very good team and the way we bowled made the task of our batsmen a lot easier. Hopefully, we continue in the same fashion," he said.