Karnataka Bulldozers Secure CCL 2026 Semi-Final Berth With Commanding Performance
The Karnataka Bulldozers have officially booked their place in the semi-finals of the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2026 following a weekend of sheer dominance at the SNR College Cricket Stadium in Coimbatore. With two back-to-back, high-stakes triumphs over the Telugu Warriors and the Bhojpuri Dabanggs, the Bulldozers have surged to the summit of the points table, solidifying their reputation as the team to watch this season.
Weekend of Cricketing Excellence in Coimbatore
The weekend commenced with an extraordinary batting display on Friday, January 23, as the Bulldozers successfully chased down a daunting target of 227 runs against the Telugu Warriors. Star batsman Rajeev Hanu delivered what is being hailed as one of the finest innings in CCL history, hammering a century off a mere 48 balls. He received robust support from Darling Krishna, who contributed a brisk 44, and Pradeep Bogadi, who added a fiery 64 to the total. The Bulldozers achieved the target with 16 balls to spare, clinching a convincing 9-wicket victory.
Building on this momentum on Sunday, January 25, the Bulldozers confronted a resilient Bhojpuri Dabanggs side. After posting a formidable total of 202/9, powered by Rajeev Hanu's 62 and Darling Krishna's 53, the Bulldozers' bowling unit showcased remarkable composure during a tense final over. A disciplined death-bowling performance anchored the defence, ultimately dashing the Dabanggs' semi-final aspirations and ensuring Karnataka's progression to the knockout stages.
Leadership and Team Spirit Shine Through
Mr Ashok Kheny, Managing Director of AKK Entertainment and Owner of the Karnataka Bulldozers, expressed immense pride in the team's achievements. "This weekend has truly demonstrated the character of the Karnataka Bulldozers. To chase 227 one day and then defend a total under such intense pressure the next day speaks volumes about the depth and determination of this squad. We didn't just win; we played with the 'Bulldozer' spirit—relentless and powerful. I am incredibly proud of how the boys have represented Sandalwood, and we are now fully focused on bringing the trophy back home to Bengaluru," he stated.
Team Captain Kichcha Sudeep, who led with strategic acumen, added, "It has been an emotional and exhilarating couple of days in Coimbatore. Watching Rajeev and Krishna dominate the crease was a delight for every fan in the stands. As a captain, seeing the team execute our plans so flawlessly against two of the toughest teams in the league is immensely satisfying. We have secured the semi-final berth, but the mission is far from over. The roar of the Bulldozers is only growing louder as we advance to the knockouts."
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
The Karnataka Bulldozers are now set to travel to Hyderabad for the semi-finals, scheduled for January 31, 2026, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The team's stellar performance this weekend has not only guaranteed their place in the next round but has also positioned them as strong contenders for the championship title.
