In a rain-shortened final of the KSCA Maharaja Trophy 2025, the Mangalore Dragons emerged as the new champions, defeating the Hubli Tigers by 14 runs on the VJD method. This is the first title win for the Mangalore Dragons ending their trophy draught.
The match began with the Hubli Tigers opting to bat first. They posted a competitive total of 154 for 8 in their 20 overs. The standout performance came from Krishnan Shrijith, who anchored the innings with a patient 52 runs from 45 balls.
Taha provided a quick start with a brisk 27 off just 15 balls, and useful contributions came from Abhinav Manohar and Manvanth Kumar. For the Dragons, Sachin Shinde was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs, while Macneil Noronha and Shreevathsa Acharya chipped in with two wickets each.
In pursuit of the target, the Mangalore Dragons got off to a blistering start, thanks to the aggressive batting of Sharath BR. He smashed 49 runs from just 35 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, setting a strong foundation for the chase. Lochan Gowda also contributed a solid 18 runs. The Tigers' bowling attack, however, managed to claw back with Ritesh Bhatkal being the most effective bowler, claiming two wickets for just 14 runs in his 3 overs.
The match was evenly poised when rain intervened at the 10.4 over mark of the Mangalore Dragons' innings, with the score at 85 for 2. At this point, the Dragons were comfortably ahead of the par score set by the VJD method, leading to their victory and a maiden title in the KSCA Maharaja Trophy. The rain played a decisive role, bringing an end to what was shaping up to be a thrilling final.
Player of the Match
Sharath BR from the Mangalore Dragons won the player of the match award for his quickfire knock of 49 runs in 35 balls. He smashed 4 fours and 3 sixes and finished the season scoring a total of 392 runs in 12 matches, averaging 35.64 and striking at 166.81.
