Dominant Mangaluru Dragons Secure Victory in Maharaja Trophy 2025 Opener Against Gulbarga Mystics

The Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 witnessed a thrilling start as the Mangaluru Dragons roared to a commanding 33-run triumph over the Gulbarga Mystics at the Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadeyar Cricket Stadium in Mysore. The Dragons’ victory was highlighted by Macneil Noronha’s explosive half-century, scoring 53 runs off just 28 deliveries, including three boundaries and four maximums, to propel his team to a formidable total of 180/8. The bowling duo of skipper Shreyas Gopal and Kranthi Kumar then shone with three wickets each to seal the victory for the Dragons. In the early stages, the Mystics’ bowlers, led by Prithviraj’s impressive spell of 3/21, showcased resilience, with Vyshak Vijaykumar and Monish Reddy also picking up crucial wickets. However, Shreyas Gopal’s all-round performance, contributing 20 runs with the bat, proved pivotal in guiding the Dragons through the challenging death overs. Despite a strong start to their run chase, courtesy of Luvnith Sisodia’s quickfire 26 runs, the Mystics faltered as Shreyas Gopal’s crucial wickets disrupted their momentum. The Dragons’ disciplined bowling attack, coupled with strategic breakthroughs, left the Mystics struggling at 147/10, falling short of the target set by the Dragons. The Dragons’ innings began explosively with Lochan Gowda’s aggressive start, setting the tone with 27 runs, while Sharath BR’s contribution kept the scoreboard ticking. Macneil Noronha’s brilliant knock of 53 runs, supported by Aneesh KV and skipper Shreyas Gopal, propelled the Dragons to a competitive total. Despite a late surge led by Adarsh Prajwal, the Mystics’ bowlers, especially Prithviraj and Vyshak Vijaykumar, kept the Dragons in check during the final overs. In the end, the Mangaluru Dragons emerged victorious, showcasing their dominance in the opening match of the tournament. With a well-rounded performance from both bat and ball, the Dragons set a high standard for their competitors in the Maharaja Trophy 2025.