CCL2026: Karnataka Bulldozers top the points table with resounding victory against Bhojpuri Dabanggs

CCl2026: The Bulldozers bowled the Dabanggs out and knocked them out of the tournament. Who will they play in the semi-final on January 31, 2026?

CCL2026: Darling Krishna and Rajeev Hanu powered the Bulldozers' innings a great deal

The first match on January 25 was between the Karnataka Bulldozers and Bhojpuri Dabanggs. This was the third and final group stage encounter for both teams, but the difference was that one was already assured of a spot in the semis, while the other desperately needed a win to worm its way back into the top 4. The Bulldozers, though, did not approach this with a laidback attitude, and even with a couple of changes in the playing 11, the standards set remained high, whether it was in setting a 200+ target or in then curtailing the opposition. That spirit got the better of the Dabanggs, who tried hard but still fell short and were, thereby, eliminated from the tournament.

Karnataka Bulldozers set formidable target

Kiccha Sudeep won the toss and decided to bat first and set a target, perhaps because of the result in the match between the Kerala Strikers and Vels Chennai Kings the previous evening. The Strikers had a stroke of luck with a rain disruption, which enforced DLS and handed them the match after batting first, even though the Kings could have gotten to the actual target had they played the remaining 5 overs.

The Bulldozers rested Pradeep Bogadi this match, ahead of the biggies next week. Sudeep opened with Darling Krishna, a partnership that was broken only in the 8th over, when the latter departed. Krishna had made 53 of 29. He was replaced by Rajeev Hanu, last match’s centurian, who wasted no time to get cracking. With Rajeev doing all the big-hitting, Sudeep relaxed at the other end, chipping in occasionally to rotate strike. Asgar Khan eventually got rid of the Bulldozers’ skipper with the score at 107. Manjunath who came in didn’t last long and then Sudhir got the big wicket – Rajeev.

Although Karan Aryan tried to regain some momentum, the Bulldozers lost 4 wickets looking for runs that just weren’t there. And yet, they managed to get to a total of 202 -9 in their 20 overs.

Also read: CCL2026: Is THIS team winning season 12 of the star-led cricket tournament?

Bhojpuri Dabanggs fall just short of the finish line

Chasing 203 was not going to be easy, especially against a team like the Bulldozers, but the Dabanggs tried, starting with skipper Manoj Tiwari, although he fell early on. The team had a top order debacle, but then Aditya, Uday and Rajiv tried to stabilize it, while also chipping away at that target, with scores of 34, 36 and 38 respectively. But none of that mattered eventually, because the Bulldozers remained relentless. They ensured that the Dabanggs could not get the big hits going, and kept the pressure going with wickets every now and then.

Manoj, of course, was not happy with the result, which he made abundantly clear during the post-match presentation ceremony. The Dabanggs skipper voiced his displeasure with the umpiring during the match, adding that there were a few decisions that went against them, which, he felt should not have, and, hence, cost them the game.

In the last group stage of the match, which concludes the Coimbatore leg of CCL2026, the Mumbai Heroes play Vels Chennai Kings, both teams at the bottom of the points table and looking for a consolation win. Catch the match on JioHotstar (available via OTTplay Premium also).

CCL FAQs

Q. Where to watch CCL2026?

A. Season 12 of the Celebrity Cricket League began on January 16, 2026 and goes on till February 1. Eight teams are in the fray, with the winner getting a prize of Rs 50L. The matches are being live streamed on JioHotstar (available via OTTplay Premium also).

Q. Which team won CCL2025?

A. Punjab De Sher won CCL2025.

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