New Delhi: Indian batter Karun Nair is in his absolute best during the Maharaja T20 Tournament. The 32-year-old has been eyeing a comeback to the national team, bolstered by consistent run-scoring performances in domestic cricket.
In the 18th over against Macneil Noronha, Karun Nair switched his grip to execute a flawless reverse flick for six, evoking memories of former RCB star AB de Villiers and his innovative strokeplay.
ಡ್ರ್ಯಾಗನ್ಸ್ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಕರುಣೆ ತೋರಲ್ಲ ಕರುಣ್ ನಾಯರ್!
ಬಂತು ನೋಡಿ ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಸಿಕ್ಸ್…
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Karun Nair’s quickfire 64 off 31 balls led Mysuru Warriors to a 6-wicket victory, securing their spot in the playoffs while placing them second in the table. Meanwhile, Mangalore Dragons, sitting last, have been eliminated from the tournament.
Karun Nair called the right side of the coin and opted to field, which sent Mangalore into bat. Rohan Patil was the first wicket to fall when he scored 12 runs off 9 balls, courtesy of Karthik. A partnership of 34 runs between Tushar Singh and Nikin Jose for the second wicket saw Jose’s fall after scoring 14 runs.
Veteran Krishnappa Gowtham then hit the most important wicket of Tushar Singh, who gave Mangalore a flying start with a brisk 43 off 26 balls, studded with seven fours and a towering six over mid-wicket. After those two, Mangalore lost Macneil Noronha and Shreyas Gopal in quick succession to be in trouble at 88/5.
A 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket off only 34 deliveries saw Mangalore shape hopes through wicketkeeper Siddharth and Lochan Gowda. The star knock was from Siddharth, who essayed an entertaining 50 off 36 balls, laced with four boundaries and two sixes.
The Mysuru Warriors lost Ajit Karthik early for 14, but Karun Nair and SU Karthik set things straight with a dominant 107-run partnership off 57 balls. The Mangalore bowlers were at their wit’s end till Advith Shetty bowled SU Karthik for 69 off 52 balls to give his team the much-needed breakthrough.
Karun Nair followed soon after, falling to Noronha for 64. Sumit Kumar was then run out for a two-ball duck, leaving Mysuru needing 20 runs off the last 13 balls. Manoj Bhandage and Jagadeesan Suchith coolly finished the chase thereafter as Mysuru won with ease without further wickets.
