Bengaluru Challengers’ innings never really took flight. Openers Mahroof and Fazal Rahman struggled against a disciplined new-ball attack, with both falling cheaply to Al Ameer Basheer. Their middle order offered brief resistance, particularly skipper Richu Musaliar, who attempted to rebuild with a brisk 13 before being stumped off Sudheesh’s clever bowling. Vipin Venu tried to counterattack, lashing a quick 15, but his cameo ended when he holed out to CTK Mashood. The only substantial contribution came from Vinu Vijayan, whose 24 off 13 balls featured three towering sixes, injecting some momentum into an otherwise faltering innings. Despite his aggression, Bengaluru lost wickets in clusters, eventually collapsing to 81 all out in 17.1 overs.

The Chennai bowlers orchestrated this demolition with relentless discipline. Al Ameer Basheer’s spell was a masterclass in control, returning figures of 3-1-8-2, suffocating the top order with swing and accuracy. Sudheesh himself chipped in with two wickets, including the prized scalp of captain Musaliar, while Bala’s double strike ripped through the middle order. Sidhu and Rathish S capped off the procession with timely breakthroughs. Every bowler executed their plans, keeping batsmen guessing and building pressure that proved too heavy for Bengaluru to withstand.