Bhojpuri Dabanggs clinched their first-ever victory against Telugu Warriors in 12 attempts, winning by 41 runs in a drama-filled Match 2 of the Celebrity Cricket League 2026 at the ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on January 16. What should have been a straightforward T20 encounter turned into one of the most controversial matches in CCL history, with the Bhojpuri team staging a walkout during the second innings over disputed umpiring decisions.
Bhojpuri Dabanggs vs Telugu Warriors Match Summary
| Team | Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bhojpuri Dabanggs | 155/8 (20 overs) | Won by 41 runs |
| Telugu Warriors | 114/10 (18.5 overs) | Lost |
After Telugu Warriors captain Akhil Akkineni won the toss and elected to field, Bhojpuri Dabanggs struggled initially, losing captain Manoj Tiwari for just 4 runs in the first over. Ram Yadav (34 off 30) and Aditya Ojha (23 off 27) steadied the innings with a 36-run partnership, but it was Asgar Khan’s explosive 56 off 30 balls that propelled the Dabanggs to a respectable 155/8.
The Warriors’ chase began positively but quickly derailed amid extraordinary controversy. In the early overs, a run-out appeal sparked fierce disagreement when the umpires ruled the ball dead as they had already referred the decision to the third umpire. The Bhojpuri players, led by Manoj Tiwari, argued vehemently that the keeper had legitimately dislodged the bails with the batsman out of his crease.
Play Stopped as Bhojpuri Dabanggs Claim “Biased Game”
Tensions escalated when another boundary decision went against the Dabanggs despite Manoj Tiwari appearing to stop the ball before the rope. Shocking scenes unfolded as the entire Bhojpuri team formed a huddle on the field and eventually walked off, with voices clearly audible saying, “It’s a biased game.” Play was halted for several minutes as negotiations continued, with the match referee intervening to restore order.
Once play resumed, Manoj Tiwari channeled his frustration into performance, claiming two crucial wickets, including that of opposition captain Akhil Akkineni (lbw for a duck). The Warriors capitulated under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals, with three run-outs highlighting their poor running between wickets. Sudheer Babu’s labored 24 off 34 balls typified their struggles as they fell well behind the required rate.
Asgar Khan, having earlier starred with the bat, also impressed with the ball, conceding just 28 runs in his four-over spell while picking up a wicket. The Warriors were eventually bundled out for 114 in 18.5 overs, handing Bhojpuri Dabanggs a historic 41-run victory, their maiden win over the Telugu franchise after 11 consecutive defeats.
The match will be remembered not just for the Dabanggs’ breakthrough triumph but for the controversial scenes that nearly derailed the fixture entirely, raising serious questions about umpiring standards in the Celebrity Cricket League.
