20 June,2026 03:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Saransh Jain (Pic: MPL)
Royal Nimar Eagles maintained their stellar form in the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup 2026, pulling off a thrilling four-wicket win against Bundelkhand Bulls by successfully chasing down a 167-run target at Indore's Holkar Stadium.
Choosing to bat first, Bundelkhand Bulls were dismissed for 166 due to a dominant display from the Eagles' bowling department. Purple Cap holder Parush Mandal and captain Saransh Jain spearheaded the attack, picking up four scalps each.
The Bulls faced an early blow when Kushagra Wadhwa departed for a mere 1 off 3 balls. Skipper Abhishek Pathak tried to shift the momentum with a rapid 13-ball 31, but his dismissal put the batting side right back under pressure.
Rudransh Singh and Shivang Kumar then combined for a 41-run partnership for the third wicket to anchor the innings. However, Shivang was soon sent back for 31 off 18 balls, a familiar sight in top-tier cricket matches.
Following his dismissal, the Bulls lost wickets in quick succession as the Eagles' bowling unit stifled the scoring rate. A late effort from Anant Dubey, lower down the order, eventually pushed the Bulls to a competitive score.
Saransh finished his four-over spell with impressive figures of 4/28, while Parush wrapped up his 3.4 overs with 4/31. Devendra Katheit also made a meaningful impact, snaring two wickets.
In response, the Royal Nimar Eagles experienced a turbulent start to their pursuit, eventually slumping to a precarious 90/5.
Skipper Saransh Jain then paired up with Abhishek Mavi to steady the ship. The partnership proved vital, bringing the target down to 46 runs needed from the last 30 deliveries with five wickets remaining.
The two batsmen played took calculated risks to avoid losing further wickets, even as the mounting required rate left the Eagles needing 30 runs from the final three overs.
The game turned decisively in the 18th over when Kuldeep Sen conceded 18 runs, shifting the balance heavily toward the chasing side.
Despite a minor wobble when Mavi was out for a 25-ball 38, Saransh maintained his composure. The captain finished unbeaten on 39 off 29 balls, safely steering the Royal Nimar Eagles across the finish line for a vital victory.
(With ANI inputs)
