Mangalore Dragons vs Hubli Tigers Match Preview – 19th August 2025 (14:45 GMT)

Venue: Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wadeyar Ground, Mysore
Format: T20
Match: Match 18 of the KSCA Maharaja Trophy 2025
Expected Weather: Cloudy with a 20% chance of rain

Match Outlook

The 18th match of the KSCA Maharaja Trophy 2025 promises an exciting clash as Mangalore Dragons take on Hubli Tigers at the Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wadeyar Ground in Mysore. With both teams eager to secure a vital victory and climb up the ladder, this match is expected to be a closely contested affair.

Team Form and Head-to-Head

Mangalore Dragons have shown consistent performance this season, with Sharath BR emerging as the team’s top run-scorer with 133 runs in four matches. The team has a slight edge in the head-to-head record, having won 2 out of 7 encounters against the Hubli Tigers. However, the Tigers have historically performed better in this tournament and are not to be underestimated.

Key Players to Watch

• Mangalore Dragons:

  • Sharath BR – The star performer for the Dragons, his ability to anchor the innings will be crucial.
  • Shreyas Gopal – A key wicket-taker in the middle overs, his form could decide the match’s direction.
  • Paras Arya – Provides late-order firepower with both bat and ball.

• Hubli Tigers:

  • Devdutt Padikkal – A dynamic batter who can accelerate the scoring rate.
  • Mohammed Taha – Offers a potent spell of pace bowling, especially with the new ball.
  • Karthikeya KP – A reliable middle-order finisher who can change the game in the final overs.

Toss and Strategy

In the 16 completed matches at the Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wadeyar Ground, teams bowling first have enjoyed an advantage. With the weather expected to be cloudy but dry, the toss could play a pivotal role in shaping the game. The pitch is likely to offer assistance to both batters and bowlers, but the dew could become a factor in the evening.

Predicted Playing XIs

Mangalore Dragons (11)

1. BR Sharath
2. Lochan Gowda
3. Aadarsh Prajwal
4. Macneil Noronha
5. Shreyas Gopal
6. Ronit More
7. Thippa Reddy
8. Kranthi Kumar
9. Paras Arya
10. S Shivaraj
11. Abhilash Shetty

Hubli Tigers (11)

1. Abhinav Manohar
2. Devdutt Padikkal
3. Mohammed Taha
4. Prakhar Chaturvedi
5. Karthikeya KP
6. Manvanth Kumar L
7. Ritesh Bhatkal
8. Nitin Nagaraja
9. Yash Raj Punja
10. KC Cariappa
11. Shreesha Achar

Match Prediction & Betting Tips

Winning Probability:

• Mangalore Dragons: 55%
• Hubli Tigers: 45%

Despite the Tigers’ overall dominance in the head-to-head, the Mangalore Dragons are the favorites to win this match. They have already defeated the Tigers once this season and boast a more balanced squad with a superior bowling attack. If Sharath BR continues his good form and the bowlers restrict the Tigers' batters, the Dragons could seal a win.

Final Verdict

This match is a must-watch as it features two of the most competitive teams in the tournament. While the Hubli Tigers have the experience and history, the Mangalore Dragons come into the game with momentum and a clear game-plan. Look out for some tight bowling and aggressive batting as both teams battle it out under the clouded skies in Mysore.

Prediction: Mangalore Dragons to Win
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