India Capitals secure their playoffs berth with a victory over Manipal Tigers

Srinagar: India Capitals, the GMR Group-owned franchise, secured their place in the playoffs with a 13-run victory over Manipal Tigers in a do-or-die encounter at the Bakshi Stadium,Srinagar in LLC 2024. In a match that held playoff qualification at stake, Ben Dunk’s sensational 97 off 47 balls and a disciplined bowling effort, led by Iqbal Abdulla and Dhawal Kulkarni, sealed the victory for the Capitals and keep their hopes of a top-two finish alive. Ben Dunk was awarded Legend of the Match for his blasting inning.

After being invited to bat first, India Capitals’ openers Dwayne Smith and Dhruv Rawal (17 off 11) gave the team a brisk start, putting up 36 runs for the first wicket. Smith (29 off 32) kept the scoreboard ticking, but a flurry of wickets, including Rawal, Iqbal Abdulla (8 off 9), and Smith himself, left the Capitals reeling at 68 for 3 at the end of the ninth over.

Ben Dunk, however, took control of the innings with a stunning display of power-hitting. Despite losing partners Colin de Grandhomme (9 off 7), Bharat Chipli (2 off 6), and Ashley Nurse (3 off 6), Dunk smashed eight boundaries and seven sixes in a near-century knock that anchored the Capitals to 185 for 7 in their 20 overs. Gunaratne was the standout bowler for Manipal Tigers, taking 3 for 10 in his four overs, including the key wickets of Smith and Abdulla.

Chasing 186 for victory, Manipal Tigers stumbled early as Dhawal Kulkarni struck in the very first over, trapping Solomon Mire lbw for a golden duck. Kulkarni, who had been impressive in the tournament, bowled with exceptional discipline and control, conceding just 24 runs in his 4 overs and picking up three crucial wickets.

Iqbal Abdulla then joined the party, displaying his spin magic. He dismissed the well-set Amit Verma (21 off 23) LBW in the 14th over, followed by clean-bowling Asela Gunaratne (6 off 4) just three balls later. He finished with impressive figures of 3 for 29 in his 4 overs.

A late cameo by Obus Pienaar (28 off 8) and a valiant unbeaten 50 off 18 balls from Anureet Singh gave the Tigers some hope, but despite their efforts, Tigers fell short, finishing on 172 for 9 in their 20 overs, ensuring India Capitals held their nerve to win by 13 runs.

With this win, India Capitals move ahead to the playoffs and will be eyeing a top-two finish in their final league game. Capitals are currently second place in the standings with 8 points. They will now face either Southern Super Stars on October 12 in the Qualifiers 1 or Toyam Hyderabad/Konark Suryas Odisha on October 13 in the Eliminator, at the same venue.

Match Score Summary:
India Capitals: 185/7 in 20 overs (Ben Dunk 97, Dwayne Smith 29; Asela Gunaratne 3/10)
Manipal Tigers: 172/9 in 20 overs (Anureet Singh 50*, Obus Pienaar 28; Dhawal Kulkarni 3/21, Iqbal Abdulla 3/29)