Telugu Warriors Vs Punjab De Sher Match 4 Highlights
Vizag, January 17, 2026: In a commanding performance at the Celebrity Cricket League 2026, Telugu Warriors defeated Punjab De Sher by 52 runs in Match 4, showcasing explosive batting and clinical bowling to maintain their strong start in the league stage.
Telugu Warriors Post a Formidable Total
Winning the toss, the Telugu Warriors elected to bat first and set a challenging target of 184/4 in 20 overs. Openers Ashwin Babu and Akhil Akkineni laid the foundation with a steady partnership of 132 runs, frustrating Punjab’s bowlers early on.
- Ashwin Babu anchored the innings with 60 runs off 51 balls, striking 9 boundaries.
- Akhil Akkineni stole the show with a breathtaking 101 runs off 56 balls, including 7 fours and 6 sixes, reaching his century with a strike rate of 180.36.
This partnership gave Telugu Warriors complete control, allowing them to accelerate in the final overs and post a total that would prove too steep for Punjab.
Punjab De Sher Struggle in the Chase
Punjab De Sher’s chase started on a shaky note as they lost two quick wickets, leaving them at 16/2 within the first two overs. Karan Wahi played a lone hand, scoring 56 runs off 44 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes, keeping his team briefly in the contest.
He was supported by Hardy Sandhu, who contributed 28 runs off 18 balls, but regular wickets kept falling. By the 17th over, the game was effectively over as Wahi fell at 126/7, ending Punjab’s hopes of a comeback.
- Punjab De Sher were eventually bowled out for 132 in 18.2 overs, handing Telugu Warriors a comprehensive 52-run victory.
Bowling Excellence Powers Telugu Warriors
Telugu Warriors’ bowlers dominated the chase, putting constant pressure on the Punjab batters:
- Vinay Mahadev led the attack with 3 wickets for 22 runs, maintaining a tight economy of 5.50.
- Samrat Reddy claimed 2 crucial wickets, while Raghu Raju, Ashwin Babu, and Nikhil Devadula chipped in with one wicket each.
The disciplined bowling display ensured that Punjab De Sher never regained momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Key Match Statistics
Top Scorers:
- Akhil Akkineni (TW): 101 off 56 balls
- Ashwin Babu (TW): 60 off 51 balls
- Karan Wahi (PDS): 56 off 44 balls
- Hardy Sandhu (PDS): 28 off 18 balls
Top Bowlers:
- Vinay Mahadev (TW): 3/22
- Samrat Reddy (TW): 2/33
- Raunakk Singh Bhinder (PDS): 2/30
Match Turning Points
- Akhil Akkineni’s Century: His 101-run blitz set a target too high for Punjab to chase.
- Opening Partnership: Ashwin Babu and Akhil Akkineni’s 132-run stand neutralized early bowling threats.
- Bowling Consistency: Telugu Warriors’ disciplined attack never allowed Punjab to settle, leading to a collapse.
Final Result
Telugu Warriors: 184/4 (20 overs)
Punjab De Sher: 132 all out (18.2 overs)
Result: Telugu Warriors won by 52 runs
This victory cements Telugu Warriors as early frontrunners in the CCL 2026 league stage, demonstrating a blend of powerful batting, smart partnerships, and tactical bowling that makes them a team to watch in the tournament.
