APL 2022 | VZW vs CSR | Ashish's three-for, Srinivas' theatrics win the battle for Coastal Riders

As rain gods finally showed mercy, it was the time for some cricketing action with Vizag Warriors (VZG) and Coastal Riders (CSR) meeting in a closely-fought battle.

While the rain did spoil a part of the fun, eventually turning the fixture into a nine-over-a-side affair, Coastal Riders walked back after the contest as the happy side, winning the match by five wickets.

After all the anticipation, CSR opted to bowl after winning the toss. As the case has been in the tournament so far, more games have been won by the chasing team. 

With only nine overs to play, the Warriors chose to go all guns blazing from the start. Although Uppara Girinath did not face much of the deliveries, the other opener and skipper of the side, Ashwin Hebbar, went for the gusto from ball one. 

As much as Hebbar's bodacious strokeplay gave the innings an initial kick, the other batters failed to cash in on the momentum. A break in tempo was caused by Siraparapu Ashish, who claimed a three-for in his two-over spell.

Chennu Siddhardha struck an unbeaten seven-ball 18 as his quickfire innings landed the Warriors to a total of 80 runs in the allotted nine overs.

In reply, CSR did not get the best of the starts, losing four of their top-order batters at a score of 24. 

While it seemed all but over, Sirla Hima Srinivas and Maddila Harsha Vardhan led a rearguard fightback to lay a stunning onslaught on the opposition bowlers. Srinivas departed after scoring a 19-ball 38, with still 12 runs needed to win the match. 

However, Vardhan and Shaik Zaheer Abbas ensured no further hiccups as the Riders chased down the target with five wickets and two balls to spare.

Brief scores:

Vizag Warriors - 80/8 (9)

Ashwin Hebbar 28(14), Chennu Siddhardha 18*(7);

Siraparapu Ashish 3-12 (2), Tripurana Vijay 1-9 (2)

Coastal Riders - 81/5 (8.4)

Sirla Hima Srinivas 38(19), Maddila Harsha Vardhan 16*(11);

Midde Anjaneyulu 1-7 (2), K S Narasimha Raju 1-12 (1.4)

Coastal Riders won by five wickets.