Mysore Warriors emerged victorious in the 2024 Maharaja T20 Trophy final, thanks to a stellar performance by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Manoj Bhandage. His explosive lower-order batting proved pivotal in securing a convincing 45-run win against the Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters, clinching the title for the Warriors.
Bhandage, known for his hard-hitting abilities, demonstrated his prowess once again, playing a crucial knock that turned the game in favour of Mysore Warriors. Coming in at No.5 when the Warriors were at 119/3 after 15 overs, Bhandage had the daunting task of accelerating the innings during the slog overs. The RCB star did not disappoint, unleashing a blistering 44 off just 13 deliveries, propelling his team to an imposing total of 207/4.
His innings was characterized by a remarkable display of power hitting, as Bhandage smashed two boundaries and five sixes at an extraordinary strike rate of 338.46. His aggressive approach was evident from the moment he arrived at the crease, and his ability to find the boundary with ease helped the Warriors add crucial runs in the final overs.
Bhandage’s sixes predominantly came from the leg side, with two being launched down the ground and three over the square leg boundary.
The highlight of Bhandage’s innings was his assault in the final over, where he plundered 23 runs, ensuring that the Warriors crossed the 200-run mark. This late flourish not only shifted the momentum towards Mysore Warriors but also put enormous pressure on the Bengaluru Blasters as they headed into the chase.
Defending a daunting target of 208, the Mysore Warriors’ bowlers executed their plans to perfection, restricting the Bengaluru Blasters to 162/8. The bowling unit delivered a collective performance, with Vidyadhar Patil leading the charge by taking three crucial wickets.
Codanda Ajit Karthik, Dhanush Gowda, Krishnappa Gowtham, and Deepak Devadiga each chipped in with a wicket, ensuring that the Blasters were never allowed to build a significant partnership.
The Warriors’ comprehensive victory was a testament to their all-round strength, but it was Bhandage’s fiery knock that stood out as the game-changer. His innings not only boosted the Warriors’ total but also set the tone for the bowlers to capitalize on the scoreboard pressure, leading to the Blasters’ eventual collapse.
Bhandage’s performance in the final capped off an exceptional campaign for the all-rounder. He finished the tournament with 292 runs at a staggering strike rate of 213.13, the highest in the competition. His ability to deliver in crucial moments, particularly in the final, showed his importance to the Mysore Warriors’ success.
Reflecting on his performance, Bhandage expressed satisfaction with his contribution to the team’s triumph. “It feels great to have played a part in winning the title for Mysore Warriors. I knew I had to step up and deliver when I came in, and I’m glad I could contribute in such a crucial match,” Bhandage said.
The Warriors’ title win was a culmination of consistent performances throughout the tournament, with Bhandage’s late-innings heroics providing the perfect finish to a memorable campaign. As they lifted the Maharaja T20 Trophy, Mysore Warriors celebrated not just a team victory, but also the emergence of a new star in Indian domestic cricket.
