Karun Nair Leads Coastal Kings Mangaluru to Thrilling Three-Run Win Over Gulbarga Mystics Ahead of Maharaja Trophy Playoffs

Captain Karun Nair delivered another captain's knock as Coastal Kings Mangaluru secured a thrilling three-run victory over Gulbarga Mystics in the final league match of the DACSS Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament on Wednesday. Although the playoff positions had already been confirmed, both teams produced an entertaining contest that went down to the final over.

Coastal Kings Mangaluru posted 169 for 9 before restricting Gulbarga Mystics to 166 for 7, registering their fifth win in 10 matches. The victory helped the Kings finish second in the standings with 11 points behind Bengaluru Blasters, who topped the table with 18 points.

Karun Nair anchors Coastal Kings innings

Nair once again proved why he has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring a superb 65 off just 37 deliveries. His innings featured eight boundaries and two sixes and came at a crucial stage after the Kings slipped to 30 for 2 early in the innings.

The experienced batter rebuilt the innings with a 59-run partnership alongside Prajwal Pavan, who contributed 35 runs, before adding another valuable 50-run stand with Suraj Ahuja.

Nair's dismissal for 65 at 149 for 5 in the 18th over triggered a late collapse as Coastal Kings lost four wickets for just 20 runs. Gulbarga Mystics' bowlers finished strongly, with Kranthi Kumar returning figures of 3 for 38 and Suhas Purushotham claiming 2 for 27 to restrict the total to 169.

The half-century was Nair's third of the tournament and his highest score this season, taking his aggregate to 294 runs from nine innings.

Mystics fall just short despite strong start

Gulbarga Mystics began their chase aggressively through openers Macneil Noronha and Aarav Mahesh. Noronha blasted 17 runs in the opening over as the pair powered the side to 58 without loss during the Powerplay before putting together a 70-run opening partnership.

Noronha top-scored with 44, while Aarav contributed 27. Dhruv Prabhakar added 28 and Manish Pandey chipped in with 23 as the Mystics remained firmly in the contest.

A brisk 40-run partnership between Dhruv and Pandey briefly shifted the momentum, but the quick loss of both batters handed the advantage back to Coastal Kings.

Kranthi Kumar kept the chase alive with an unbeaten 30, leaving Gulbarga needing seven runs from the final over. However, Coastal Kings held their nerve to complete a dramatic three-run victory.

Playoffs begin on Friday

With the league stage complete, the DACSS Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 playoffs begin on Friday. Shivamogga Yodhas will face Mysore Warriors in the Eliminator, while table-toppers Bengaluru Blasters take on Coastal Kings Mangaluru in Qualifier 1.

In the field, Gulbarga Mystics produced several standout moments despite the defeat. Macneil Noronha impressed with three catches in addition to claiming a wicket, while Thippa Reddy pulled off one of the catches of the tournament with an outstanding running effort.

Brief Scores

• Coastal Kings Mangaluru: 169/9 in 20 overs (Karun Nair 65, Prajwal Pavan 35; Kranthi Kumar 3/38, Suhas Purushotham 2/27).
• Gulbarga Mystics: 166/7 in 20 overs (Macneil Noronha 44, Kranthi Kumar 30, Dhruv Prabhakar 28, Aarav Mahesh 27, Manish Pandey 23; Shreyas Gopal 2/36).
• Result: Coastal Kings Mangaluru won by 3 runs.

(Inputs from Press Release)