Bangalore Slam Clinch South Zone T20 League Title in Style
The Veterans Pro Cricket International Over 40’s South Zone T20 League, held from January 24 to 26, 2025, at the picturesque Suryabala Cricket Ground in Pollachi, brought together three competitive teams—Bangalore Slam, Palakkad Veterans, and Shaivik Blasters—alongside guest appearances by the Hyderabad Hawks. Over the course of six thrilling matches, the tournament showcased not just high-octane cricket, but also the undying passion and competitive spirit of veteran players.
Day 1: Bangalore Slam Start Strong
The tournament kicked off with a dominant performance from Bangalore Slam, who took on Palakkad Veterans in the opening match. Batting first, the Bangalore side posted a massive total, thanks to an explosive top-order performance. Their bowlers followed up the effort by dismantling the Palakkad lineup with ruthless efficiency. The result was a crushing 112-run victory for Bangalore Slam—an early indication of the team’s intentions in the tournament.
In the second match of the day, Shaivik Blasters faced the Hyderabad Hawks. The Blasters put up a solid show, piling up a challenging score before tightening the screws with the ball. Hyderabad struggled to keep up with the required run rate and eventually fell short by 34 runs, giving the Blasters their first win.
Day 2: Bangalore Dominate, Blasters Stay Hot
Day two saw more competitive action, starting with Hyderabad Hawks facing off against Bangalore Slam. The Hawks, needing a win to stay in contention, put in a spirited performance with the bat. However, Bangalore’s bowlers kept them in check. Chasing a modest total, Bangalore Slam once again showcased their class, comfortably overhauling the target with 9 wickets in hand. The win reinforced their status as one of the favorites for the title.
Next up, Shaivik Blasters took on Palakkad Veterans in their second Round 1 match. In a clinical all-round performance, the Blasters outplayed the Palakkad side, winning convincingly by 54 runs. With two wins from two, Shaivik Blasters had all but sealed their place in the semi-finals.
Semi-Final: Blasters Storm into Final
With the top teams advancing, the semi-final witnessed a repeat clash between Shaivik Blasters and Palakkad Veterans. Having already beaten Palakkad earlier, the Blasters entered the match with confidence and form on their side. They batted with intent, piling on the pressure early and setting a challenging target. Once again, the Palakkad batters failed to find rhythm, and the Blasters bowled with precision and control to seal a 59-run victory. It was a commanding performance and booked their ticket to the final.
Grand Finale: Bangalore Slam vs Shaivik Blasters
The final match of the league brought together the two best sides—Bangalore Slam and Shaivik Blasters. Both teams had been dominant throughout the group stages, and fans anticipated a close contest. The Blasters, riding high on back-to-back wins, were keen on revenge, having lost to Bangalore in the group stage. However, Bangalore Slam had other plans.
Bowling first, Bangalore’s attack did well to restrict the Blasters to a manageable total. The chase, although not without drama, saw the Bangalore top order absorb pressure and build solid partnerships. Eventually, Bangalore Slam cruised to victory, winning the final by 7 wickets. It was a fitting end to a flawless campaign by a team that combined experience, composure, and aggression throughout the tournament.
Tournament Recap & Takeaways
Bangalore Slam emerged champions, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament and delivering with both bat and ball under pressure.
Shaivik Blasters were the standout competitors, pushing the eventual champions hard and winning three matches convincingly. They played entertaining cricket and showed depth in their squad.
Palakkad Veterans had a tough campaign, unable to notch a win despite moments of individual brilliance.
Hyderabad Hawks, although not among the primary teams, added flavor to the tournament, engaging in two spirited contests that tested the mettle of the core teams.
The event, conducted smoothly at the Suryabala Cricket Ground in Pollachi, also highlighted the growing enthusiasm and competitive drive among veteran cricketers. The matches were not only fiercely contested but also drew good spectator interest, underlining the potential for similar veteran tournaments in the future.
In a sport often dominated by youth, the South Zone T20 League proved that experience and passion can produce top-tier cricket. As Bangalore Slam lifted the trophy under the setting sun in Pollachi, the league not only crowned its champions but also celebrated the enduring spirit of the game.
