MU vs SS: Krishnappa Gowtham's all-round performances seal the game for Strikers

Shivamogga Strikers (SS) secured a thumping victory by eight wickets against Mangalore United (MU) in Match 25 of Maharaja T20 League at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. 

Krishnappa Gowtham's contribution of 2/11 and a riveting knock of 72 off 32 balls earned him a Player of the Match award. 

Proficient Strikers bowlers restrict United to a below-par total

United were off to a cautious start with the loss of their skipper Ravikumar Samarth in the powerplay overs. Then the batters Nikin Jose and Abhinav Manohar continued their good form to add 38 runs for the fourth wicket, which stabilized the team's innings. 

However, the rest of the line-up could not provide a flourish in the final few overs and United  finished on a total of 136 runs. Gowtham, KC Cariappa and Avinash D scalped two wickets apiece. 

Fiery knocks from Hoover and Gowtham secure much-needed win for Strikers

In response, Strikers opener Sharath BR was sent back to the hut in the first over. However, Stalin Hoover and Gowtham were flawless with their starts to steer the team at a lavish rate. 

Th duo added 129 runs for the second wicket, before Gowtham was dismissed for 72 off 32, which comprised seven boundaries and four sixes. Hoover remained unbeaten on 53 off 35 balls to see off the team chasing down the total under 13 overs. 

Can United seal the playoffs spot?

With four wins in nine league matches, United are at fifth position in the points table. They will play their last fixture against Hubli Tigers on Monday (22 August), which will a must-win for them to reach the playoffs. 

Brief scores:

Mangalore United - 136/8 (20)

Nikin Jose 38 (37), Abhinav Manohar 36 (25);
Krishnappa Gowtham 2/11

Shivamogga Strikers- 137/2 (12.2)
Krishnappa Gowtham 72 (32), Stalin Hoover 53* (35);
HS Sharath 1/3

Result: Shivamogga Strikers won by eight wickets

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