Maharaja T20 Trophy 2022 | Manish Pandey's thunder stolen by Mangalore United with epic run-chase

Manish Pandey in action in 2022 Maharaja T20 season

Mangalore United pulled off a sensational heist against the Gulbarga Mystics in match number 16 of the ongoing 2022 Maharaja T20 tournament.

United earn winning points to tender Manish Pandey’s thunderous 86 in vain

For starters, United captain Ravikumar Samarth won the toss and opted to field first.

The Mystics' innings launched with each of their top three batters heading back to the pavillion without making any impact, all within the first seven overs of the match.

Thereafter, skipper Manish Pandey initiated a rescue act with Krishnan Shrijith, where the latter contributed with a cautious 29-ball 36 to provide some stability to the innings.

Meanwhile Pandey, who has long been known as a white-ball anchorer, became the star pinch-hitter of the night by whacking an unprecedented 86* off just 45 balls. Middle-order batter Manoj Bhandage also came to the party by unfurling 29 from just 11 to provide the finishing touches to the 192-run Mystics total.

Mangalore United lost their skipper Samarth for a duck in their response. Expressive contributions ensued from each of the next four batsmen while number six Abhinav Manohar dented the Mystics party with a rebellious 25-ball 55*.

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals throughout the innings, the United batsmen kept afloat with the required rate to eventually cross their target with two balls to spare.