Ritesh Bhatkal's Unbeaten 75 Powers Mysore Warriors to Thrilling Three-Wicket Win Over Gulbarga Mystics

Ritesh Bhatkal Anchors Successful Chase for Mysore Warriors

HUBBALLI, July 3, 2026: Ritesh Bhatkal delivered a match-winning unbeaten knock of 75 off 42 balls as Mysore Warriors edged past Gulbarga Mystics by three wickets in a thrilling encounter in the DACSS Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 on Friday.

Chasing a challenging target of 197, the experienced 33-year-old stood firm after the Warriors lost early wickets and guided his side home with three balls to spare. His composed innings, featuring four boundaries and five sixes, proved to be the difference in a high-scoring contest.

The victory was Mysore Warriors' third win in eight matches, helping them climb to fourth place on the points table with seven points. Gulbarga Mystics, meanwhile, slipped to fifth after suffering their fifth defeat of the season.

Mystics Recover Strongly After Early Setbacks

Asked to bat first, Gulbarga Mystics endured an early wobble, slipping to 24/2 in the third over. However, Dhruv Prabhakar and Thippa Reddy steadied the innings with a well-constructed partnership that shifted the momentum back in the Mystics' favour.

The pair added 56 runs for the fourth wicket from just 29 deliveries. Dhruv Prabhakar, promoted to No. 4, made an impressive 51 from 35 balls, striking six fours and one six. Thippa Reddy continued his excellent form with a second consecutive half-century, scoring 51 off only 26 deliveries with five fours and three sixes.

Former India batter Manish Pandey provided the finishing flourish with an unbeaten 41 off just 19 balls. His explosive innings included six boundaries and one six, helping Gulbarga Mystics finish on a formidable 196/7 in their 20 overs.

For Mysore Warriors, Arbind Rai and Lavish Kaushal shared the bowling honours, claiming three wickets each. Rai returned figures of 3/31, while Kaushal finished with 3/25 to restrict further damage in the closing overs.

Bhatkal Holds Nerve in High-Pressure Chase

Mysore Warriors made a positive start but suffered early setbacks, slipping to 39/2. Ritesh Bhatkal then took charge of the chase, combining calculated stroke play with aggressive hitting to keep the required run rate under control.

L R Chethan contributed 23 at the top of the order, while Lankesh KP added a valuable 29. The turning point came through a crucial partnership between Bhatkal and Manoj Bhandage, who scored a quick 24 off 15 balls. Their 37-run stand from just 23 deliveries shifted the momentum firmly in the Warriors' favour.

Despite regular breakthroughs from the Mystics bowlers, Bhatkal remained calm under pressure and carried his bat through the innings. He struck the winning runs as Mysore Warriors reached 197/7 in 19.3 overs to seal a memorable victory.

Mystics Bowlers Impress Despite Defeat

Gulbarga Mystics' bowling attack fought hard throughout the chase. Nathan D'Mello led the effort with figures of 3/38, while Paras Gurbax Arya claimed 2/24 and Ronit More picked up 2/41. However, Bhatkal's unbeaten innings ultimately proved too strong for the Mystics.

Warriors Boost Playoff Hopes

The victory gives Mysore Warriors a timely boost in the race for the knockout stages, lifting them off the bottom of the table into fourth position. Gulbarga Mystics, despite impressive batting performances from Dhruv Prabhakar, Thippa Reddy and Manish Pandey, now find themselves fifth in the standings.

Brief Scores

• Gulbarga Mystics: 196/7 in 20 overs (Macneil Noronha 27, Dhruv Prabhakar 51, Thippa Reddy 51, Manish Pandey 41*; Arbind Rai 3/31, Lavish Kaushal 3/25)
• Mysore Warriors: 197/7 in 19.3 overs (Ritesh Bhatkal 75*, L R Chethan 23, Lankesh KP 29, Manoj Bhandage 24; Nathan D'Mello 3/38, Paras Gurbax Arya 2/24, Ronit More 2/41)

(Inputs from Press Release)