Hyderabad : Anvita Khammam Aces kicked off the inaugural Sreenidhi University TG20 in style, overcoming a spirited challenge from Palamuru Strikers to register a 20-run victory at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
After posting a formidable 237/5, the Aces held their nerve to restrict the Strikers to 217/6 and seal the tournament’s first-ever win.
Anvita Khammam Aces got off to a flying start as openers Wafi Kachchhi and G Sai Krishna Reddy took on Nipun Reddy, smashing 15 runs in the opening over. The aggressive start set the tone for the innings, with both batters settling in quickly and rotating the strike effectively. Wafi went on to register the first half-century of the inaugural Sreenidhi University TG20 season, reaching the milestone in just 24 deliveries.
Nipun Reddy eventually provided the breakthrough in the ninth over, dismissing the 19-year-old after a scintillating knock of 60 off 30 balls. Sai Krishna Reddy continued the momentum before falling to Rohit Rayudu in the 12th over after a well-made 52 from 32. Mickil Jaiswal (9 off 6) and Prateek Reddy (25 off 17) chipped in as Palamuru Strikers briefly stemmed the flow of runs.
However, the Aces’ charge showed no signs of slowing down. K Himateja produced a sensational late assault, hammering an unbeaten 59 off just 24 balls to provide the finishing touches. Captain CV Milind also played a valuable hand, scoring 18 off 10 deliveries, as the duo plundered 16 runs from Siddu Nayak’s final over to propel Anvita Khammam Aces to a formidable 237/5.
In reply, Palamuru Strikers made an equally explosive start through Vignesh Reddy and Chaitanya Reddy (35 off 28), who raced to 21 runs in the first two overs. Vignesh then shifted gears dramatically, smashing 23 runs in the third over to put the pressure back on the Aces.
The batter continued his assault, ensuring the Strikers remained in touch with the required rate. He brought up a stunning half-century in just 17 balls and guided his side to 85/0 at the end of the powerplay.
The opening stand of 119 runs was finally broken in the ninth over when Vignesh holed out to Wafi off Ved Reddy’s bowling, after a spectacular innings of 86 in just 31 balls, with eight fours and seven sixes. His dismissal triggered a collapse, as captain Pragnay Reddy (15 off 7) falling soon after off Ved’s bowling for the latter’s second wicket of the innings.
The Strikers’ troubles deepened when Chaitanya Reddy was run out by Prateek Reddy, while Afreedi Ahmed (16 off 15) departed after finding Vishal Yadav in the field off Vidya Nanda’s bowling. Aces skipper CV Milind then joined the wickets column, clean bowling Pratheek Pawar (3 off 4) to further tighten his side’s grip on the contest. Eventually, the Strikers were held to 217/6 as the Aces secured the first win of the Sreenidhi University TG20.
Brief Scores:
Anvita Khammam Aces beat Palamuru Strikers by 20 runs
Anvita Khammam Aces 237/5 in 20 overs (Wafi Kachchhi 60, Sai Krishna Reddy 52, M Ravi Kiran 2 for 51)
Palamuru Strikers 217/6 in 20 overs (Vignesh Reddy 86, Chaitanya Reddy 35, Ved Reddy 2 for 42)
Player of the match: Wafi Kachchhi
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