Ranga Reddy Risers script miracle, storm into playoffs with 161-run thrashing of Warangal Warriors

Hyderabad: Ranga Reddy Risers scripted one of the most remarkable turnarounds of the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s Sreenidhi University TG20, producing the miracle they needed to seal a playoff berth with a commanding 161-run victory over Warangal Warriors in the final league-stage game of the season.

Needing to win by at least 130 runs to overhaul Anurag Nalgonda Knights on net run rate, the Risers did even better, setting up an Eliminator clash against EIPL & eleve Karimnagar Diamonds on Thursday, July 9, while bringing the Knights’ campaign to an end.

Risers recovered from 1/2 to post a mammoth 252/6, courtesy of a record-equalling 163-run third-wicket partnership between Aaron George (91 off 43) and Aditya Javvaji (77 off 36) – the joint-highest partnership of the season. Venkat Karthik’s unbeaten 51 off 26 provided the finishing flourish before stand-in skipper Nitin Sai Yadav (3/10) and Hitesh Yadav (3/18) spearheaded a ruthless bowling display that bundled out Warangal Warriors for just 91 in 12.3 overs to complete a memorable qualification. For the Warangal Warriors, Salman Khan’s 5/44 was the first five-for in the tournament’s history.

Brief Scores:

Ranga Reddy Risers beat Warangal Warriors by 161 runs

Ranga Reddy Risers 252/6 in 20 overs (Aaron George 91, Aditya Javvaji 77, S Venkat Karthik 51*, C. Hitesh Yadav 23*, Salman Khan 5/44, Mudassar Hussain 1/39)

Warangal Warriors 91 in 12.3 overs (Aman Rao Perala 31, Harshit Choudhary 15, Nitin Sai Yadav 3/10, Hitesh Yadav 3/18, T. Arun Kumar 1/17)

Player of the match: Aaron George

The playoffs begin on Thursday, July 9, with the Eliminator between Ranga Reddy Risers and EIPL & Eleve Karimnagar Diamonds. Later in the evening, unbeaten Hyderabad E-Champions will face Anvita Khammam Aces in Qualifier 1.

Eliminator: Ranga Reddy Risers vs EIPL & Eleve Karimnagar Diamonds

Risers scripted the story of the league stage with a remarkable late surge. Entering the final round needing not only a win but a massive boost to their net run rate, the Risers stunned Warangal Warriors with a 161-run victory to snatch the final playoff berth in one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament, courtesy an exemplary 43-ball 91 from Aaron George.

There was no shortage of individual brilliance either, with Kodimela Himateja and Abhirath Reddy producing breathtaking centuries, Tanmay Agarwal registering two hundreds, Aman Rao smashing the tournament’s highest individual score of 142, and several bowlers delivering match-winning spells.

As the tournament now enters its decisive phase, every run, wicket and catch could determine the destination of the inaugural Sreenidhi University TG20 trophy. Four deserving teams remain in the hunt, but only one will create history by becoming the league’s first-ever champions.

For more details: Munsif daily.com