Hyderabad E-Champions to face Khammam Aces in TG20 final

Hyderabad E-Champions will face Anvita Khammam Aces in the inaugural Sreenidhi University TG20 League final after both teams dominated the tournament. The champions will receive Rs 1 crore, while the runners-up will earn Rs 50 lakh

Hyderabad: Hyderabad E-Champions will take on Anvita Khammam Aces in the final of the inaugural Sreenidhi University TG20 League cricket championship at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Sunday night.

Anvita Khammam Aces handed Hyderabad E-Champions their first defeat of the tournament with a hard-fought 10-run win in Qualifier 1, ending the E-Champions’ unbeaten run and sealing direct qualification for the final. Mickil Jaiswal’s unbeaten 76 anchored the Aces’ total of 200 for six, while the bowling unit, led by Sahendra Mallu, defended the total to seal the victory.

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The Aces have drawn on strong all-round contributions throughout the season, with Himateja Kodimela among the tournament’s top run-scorers, amassing 430 runs at an average of over 107, including an unbeaten century. Meanwhile, 16-year-old spinner Ved Reddy, who has been the find of the tournament, has led their bowling attack with 14 wickets.

CV Milind, captain of Anvita Khammam Aces, said, “We’re expecting a great contest because both teams have played exceptional cricket throughout the tournament. Hyderabad E-Champions are a complete side, but our focus is on staying calm under pressure, executing our roles and playing the brand of cricket that has brought us this far. Having Himateja back is a big boost for us, but this has never been about one player. If every individual contributes, we’ll give ourselves the best chance of lifting the trophy.”

After suffering their first defeat, Hyderabad E-Champions responded in emphatic fashion in Qualifier 2, registering a commanding eight-wicket win over EIPL & eleve Karimnagar Diamonds to book their place in the final, with skipper Abhirath Reddy leading the way with a fluent 82. That performance has set up a rematch in the final, with the E-Champions eager to avenge their Qualifier 1 defeat.

The E-Champions’ captain has powered his team’s campaign, cementing his position as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. He also became the first batter this season to cross the 500-run mark, while Ajay Dev Goud has spearheaded the bowling attack as the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 19 wickets.

The champions will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 crore, while the runners-up will receive Rs 50 lakh. The third and fourth-placed teams will receive Rs 25 lakh each.