The contest began with Mangalore’s openers setting the tone early. Rahul Shetty was in majestic touch, threading boundaries with effortless timing and punishing anything loose. His 51 off 29 balls was a perfect blend of aggression and control, launching Mangalore into a dream start. Partner Suhail Zaki added 33 in quick time, keeping the run rate above eight an over. When Shetty departed, the responsibility fell on Asim Shaikh and Vedhas, who stitched together a valuable middle-order stand. Their composed approach and sharp running between the wickets frustrated the bowlers, while Praatham Mahale’s late cameo ensured Mangalore closed their innings on a formidable 174/8, a total that screamed authority on a challenging pitch.

The Sixers, however, found themselves under siege the moment they began their chase. Vedhas, operating with fire and precision, bowled one of the spells of the season. He ripped through the top order, removing key batters with sheer pace and movement. His spell of 5 for 14 in three overs was nothing short of destructive. The pressure mounted as Muhammed Fazil and Praatham Mahale continued to hit disciplined lines, forcing Calicut into defensive disarray. Apart from Sadath JSR’s gutsy 34, there was little resistance. The rest of the batting lineup crumbled under the relentless assault, bundled out for just 94 in 15.3 overs.