Maharaja Trophy 2025, Match 13 Review: Bengaluru Blasters snap Mangaluru Dragons’ undefeated run as Chethan shines in three-wicket win

Published - 18 Aug 2025, 11:36 IST | Updated - 18 Aug 2025, 11:37 IST

The Mangaluru Dragons finally met their match at the Maharaja Trophy, as Chethan LR’s half-century guided the Bengaluru Blasters to a thrilling three-wicket victory over the table-toppers.

With the match reduced to 19 overs a side due to rain, the Dragons posted a challenging total of 174/6. Their innings was powered by a blistering opening stand from Lochan Gowda and Sharath BR, who capitalized on the shortened powerplay to blast the highest score of the season in that phase—82 runs in just 5.4 overs. Lochan smashed 49 off 32 balls with seven fours and two sixes, while Sharath scored a rapid 45 off 22, including six fours and two sixes.

Despite the explosive start, the Blasters managed to claw back into the game. Mohsin Khan (2/26) and Prateek Jain (2/45) picked up crucial wickets to put the brakes on the scoring. Mohsin accounted for both openers, while Jain removed Macneil Noronha and Aadarsh Prajwal in quick succession. Shivaraj S provided a late boost for the Dragons with an unbeaten 33 off 15 balls, helping them reach a competitive 174/6.

Chasing 175 under the VJD method, the Bengaluru Blasters got off to a flying start. Openers Chethan LR and Rohan Patil hammered 69 runs in the powerplay. Rohan contributed a quick 26 off 13 balls before being trapped LBW by Macneil Noronha. Chethan, however, continued his red-hot form, dispatching both pace and spin with ease. He brought up his half-century in just 30 balls and eventually scored 74 off 46 deliveries.

Mayank Agarwal added a brisk 20 off 9 balls before falling to Sachin Shinde, and Bhuvan Raju (14 off 15) played a supporting role during a steady 55-run stand with Chethan. Bhuvan was dismissed by Dragons skipper Shreyas Gopal, bringing the score to 129/3 in the 13th over.

Suraj Ahuja (21 off 12) chipped in with a quick cameo before being run out in the 16th over. Chethan’s dismissal by Shreevathsa Acharya created some late tension, but the Blasters held their nerve. Needing six runs in the final over, Naveen MG (4* off 8) and Vidyadhar Patil (6* off 3) ensured a successful finish with three balls to spare.

Kranthi Kumar (2/28) was the pick of the bowlers for the Dragons, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Blasters from pulling off a clinical chase.

Mangaluru Dragons: 174/6 in 19 overs(Lochan Gowda 49 off 32, Sharath BR 45 off 22, Shivaraj S 33* off 15; Mohsin Khan 2/26, Prateek Jain 2/45)

Bengaluru Blasters: 175/7 in 18.3 overs(Chethan LR 74 off 46, Rohan Patil 26 off 13, Suraj Ahuja 21 off 12; Kranthi Kumar 2/28)

Result: Bengaluru Blasters won by 3 wickets (VJD Method)