Siddharth Akhil's Unbeaten Century Keeps Coastal Kings' Playoff Hopes Alive with Thrilling Win Over Hubli Tigers

Siddharth Akhil stars in dramatic chase as Coastal Kings stay alive in playoff race

BENGALURU, July 6, 2026: Siddharth Akhil produced a sensational unbeaten century to guide Coastal Kings Mangaluru to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Hubli Tigers in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)-organised DACSS Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday.

Chasing a formidable target of 214, Coastal Kings found themselves in deep trouble at 82 for five in just 8.4 overs after losing opener Nikin Jose (27 off 13 balls, 1 four, 3 sixes) and captain Karun Nair (11 off 7 balls, 1 six) early.

However, Siddharth Akhil, batting at No. 4, turned the contest on its head with a breathtaking unbeaten 104 off just 51 deliveries. His innings featured four boundaries and ten towering sixes as he anchored one of the finest run chases of the tournament.

With seven runs required in the final over, Akhil smashed a massive six off the second delivery to seal the victory while also bringing up his maiden Maharaja Trophy century in memorable fashion.

Crucial partnerships revive Coastal Kings' chase

Akhil stitched together valuable partnerships with the lower-order batters after the top-order collapse.

• A 58-run partnership off 27 balls with Prithviraj Shekhawat, who contributed 18 from 14 deliveries with two fours.
• An unbeaten 66-run stand off 32 balls alongside Dheeraj Gowda, who remained not out on 30 from 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes.

The successful chase lifted Coastal Kings to their fourth victory in nine matches, taking them to nine points and third place on the points table with one league fixture remaining.

The defeat ended Hubli Tigers' playoff hopes as they finished their campaign with six losses in ten matches and six points, remaining at the bottom of the standings.

Mohammed Taha's century powers Hubli Tigers to 213

Earlier, Hubli Tigers made a blistering start after being put into bat, racing to 69 without loss in the powerplay and reaching 114 for no loss after 10 overs.

Openers Mohammed Taha and Hardik Raj dominated the Coastal Kings bowlers from the outset, putting together a superb 162-run opening partnership from just 90 deliveries.

Hardik Raj retired after scoring 66 off 39 balls, striking six fours and three sixes, while Mohammed Taha continued his attacking display to register a magnificent 114.

Despite the excellent platform, Hubli Tigers lost momentum during the closing overs and managed only 51 runs in the final five overs to finish on 213 for six.

Brief Scores

Hubli Tigers: 213/6 in 20 overs (Hardik Raj retired 66, Mohammed Taha 114; Santokh Singh 2/14).

Coastal Kings Mangaluru: 215/7 in 19.2 overs (Siddharth Akhil 104*; Nikin Jose 27; Dheeraj Gowda 30*; Shikhar Shetty 3/30; Aditya Goyal 3/41).

Result: Coastal Kings Mangaluru won by four wickets.

(Inputs from Press Release)