As the Bhojpuri Dabanggs and the Chennai Rhinos approached their fourth and final group stage match, it was imperative for either team to maintain their aspirations of progressing to the semifinals of CCL 2025. Each team had secured only one victory thus far, with the Dabanggs slightly ahead in net run-rate, placing them third on the points table, while the Rhinos occupied the fifth position, trailing even behind Punjab De Sher. Given that net run-rate would be the determining factor, the Dabanggs needed to limit the Rhinos' scoring as much as possible, while the Rhinos aimed to thwart this strategy. Ultimately, the Rhinos handed the Dabanggs another defeat, but the impact on the net run-rate remains to be seen, especially with the Telugu Warriors and Punjab De Sher yet to complete their final group stage matches.

Manoj Tiwari won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to restrict the Rhinos to the lowest score achievable. The early dismissal of Ramana, who managed only 10 runs, suggested that the Dabanggs could maintain control. However, Sharan and captain Vikranth unleashed a powerful batting display, propelling the team to a half-century well within the power play. By the end of three overs, they had reached 60-1, thanks to a 50-run partnership that included a staggering 27 runs off Pravesh Lal in the final over of the power play.

This partnership was broken shortly thereafter, with Sharan departing for 8 runs. Nevertheless, Vikranth and Dasarathi ensured a steady progression, leading the team to an impressive total of 167 for the loss of 2 wickets, just 4 runs short of the highest innings score this season set by the Karnataka Bulldozers against the Mumbai Heroes. The commentators noted that such an explosive batting performance was precisely what the Rhinos required, and they executed it with flair. The match featured an abundance of boundaries, particularly given the Lalabhai Contractor Stadium's reputation as one of the smallest venues in the country.

The Dabanggs encountered a dismal beginning to their chase, losing their first two wickets with a mere three runs on the scoreboard. Asgar Khan, who had shone in their initial match against the Mumbai Heroes, was expected to elevate his team's performance. Although he received a couple of chances due to the Rhinos' failure to secure straightforward catches, his fortune was short-lived. He emerged as the team's leading scorer with a total of 27 runs, while Uday and Sudhir contributed quick scores of 24 and 23, respectively. However, these efforts proved insufficient against the Rhinos. The Dabanggs concluded their first innings at 102 for 4, trailing by 65 runs. Unless the Rhinos experience a significant collapse in their batting lineup and fail to add substantially in their second innings, the Dabanggs were already facing a challenging predicament.

In an effort to extend their lead over the Dabanggs, the Rhinos' advancement was considerably slower than in their initial innings. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, they managed to match the Dabanggs' first innings total, setting a daunting target of 168 runs for Manoj Tiwari's team to achieve in the final ten overs. Although it was a formidable challenge, the Dabanggs made a valiant attempt, requiring 37 runs in the last over. Achieving six sixes would have forced a super over, but this was not to be, as Dasarathi restricted them to just 18 runs, securing a 17-run victory for the Rhinos.

Whether this performance will suffice for the Chennai Rhinos to secure a spot in the semifinals remains uncertain, hinging on the outcomes of the remaining matches involving the Telugu Warriors and Punjab De Sher. For the Dabanggs, however, following three consecutive losses, their journey has come to an end. The next match features the Karnataka Bulldozers facing off against Punjab De Sher on February 22.

Read Also: CCL 2025 Day 6 in Surat: Match Schedule, Standings & Live Telecast Details

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