KCC 2023: Even in defeat, Upendra’s team books a spot in the finale; to take on Ganga Warriors

With the Ganga Warriors already in the finale of the third edition of the Kannada Chalanachitra Cup, it comes down to the final match between the Rashtrakuta Panthers and the Vijayanagara Patriots to find out who will take on Dhananjaya and Darling Krishna’s boys.

Real Star Upendra’s Vijayanagara Patriots, who successfully chased and won their first match earlier today by scoring 122, were sent in to bat by J Karthik, the skipper of the Rashtrakuta Panthers, who was clear that chasing and getting a good run rate would be a better deal for his side to make it to the finale.

Skipper Pradeep and Herschelle Gibbs opened yet again, but unlike their first match, this time, they struggled to put runs on the board. J Karthik’s team restricted them to 99 in their designated 10 overs, setting a target of 100 for them. This is the lowest target in this edition of KCC. Ahead of the sixth match, it was said that Kiccha Sudeep’s Hoysala Eagles were leading on run rate and favourites to head into the finale, making Karthik’s strategy clear - chase and win with some balls to spare.

Chandan and Badrinath began the run chase for the Panthers, but the former departed soon enough, bringing skipper Karthik in at number 3. The duo tried to stabilize the innings for a while, and Badrinath even survived a couple of dismissal attempts – a caught and bowled that was turned down and a dropped catch. But he didn’t get third time lucky, perishing to another shot played straight into the hands of the fielder. Karthik also departed soon after, leaving his team about mid-way to their target. A brilliant innings in the last couple of overs by young Aneesh Gautham got the Rashtrakuta Panthers to victory, but in the end, the Vijayanagar Patriots booked their place in the finale based on run rate.

Upendra’s team now get a 20-minute breather, before taking the field for their third match of the day, when they take on Dhananjaya’s Ganga Warriors.