Bijapur Bulls players rated in crushing nine-wicket win over Hubli Tigers
A commanding all-round performance from the Bijapur Bulls guaranteed them a spot in the final of the 2018 Karnataka Premier League after beating Hubli Tigers by nine wickets. Naveen MG and Bharath Chipli put up a stunning partnership of 125 runs in the second innings to ensure tonight's victory.
Naveen MG ( 8/10): Another decent outing for the impressive all-rounder, who contributed to tonight’s win with the bat and ball as well. Naveen picked up two wickets, although he was a bit expensive as far as the runs were concerned. However, a majestic 62 off 43 balls and a 125-run partnership for the first wicket with his captain guaranteed the Bulls another shot at the title.
Bharath Chipli (8/10): Oh Captain, My Captain! Bharath Chipli led from the front from the word go this year and carried that form all throughout the tournament. A brilliant 125-run stand along with Naveen at the other end ensured that last year’s runners-up make the finals once more. Take a bow, sir!
Mir Kaunain Abbas (6/10): Did not have to chip in with the bat today, but helped in the field. Abbas took two catches tonight, first of Abhishek Reddy followed by the second one of Sujit Gowda.
Shishir Bhavane (6/10): Did not have much to do today, considering Naveen finished the game off and sealed the spot in the finals for the Bulls, but he seems to have the skipper’s backing and will surely be a part of the matchday squad for the finals.
KL Shrijith (6/10): Not much to do with the bat today, as the openers took care of it. But had a solid game behind the stumps as he also got Tigers’ batsman Sunil Jain run-out in the first innings.
KN Bharath (6/10): Did not bat, did not bowl nor was he involved in any match-defining moments tonight. Still makes it to the final, though.
Suneel Raju (6/10): Suneel had some work to do with the bat in previous encounters, but tonight was a batting masterclass from Naveen and Chipli, so his help was not needed. Bowled well, just gave eight runs from two overs to restrict his opponents.
Bhavesh Gulecha (5/10): Bhavesh was preferred over the misfiring Zahoor Farooqui, but wasn’t too influential in tonight’s game like he was in the one before this where he picked up four wickets. He’ll look to hold on to his spot in the starting XI for the final as well.
KC Cariappa (6/10): Star spinner took a back seat today, as KP Appanna did most of the damage with the ball for the better part of the first innings. Picked up a wicket, while giving away almost seven runs per over, decent enough we reckon.
KP Appanna (7.5/10): Stole the show with his magical fingers tonight, Appana was a constant menace for Vinay Kumar’s team in tonight’s crucial semi-final. He picked up two wickets, which included the crucial one of opener Mohammed Taha while giving away 28 runs from his four overs.
Suraj Kamath (7/10): Highly economical and also chipped in with the wicket of danger-man Abhishek Reddy, Kamath certainly justified his inclusion in tonight’s game. The bowler was overlooked for most of the tournament, with Ronit More and Farooqui being preferred. However, Suraj has impressed in the two games he’s played in and will most certainly start the final as well.