Mysuru, Aug 25 (IANS): Stallin Hoover dictated the narrative in a challenging chase at the SDNR Wadiyar stadium, bludgeoning an unbeaten century off just 44 balls in Belagavi Panthers second successive win in the Karnataka Premier League here on Sunday.

The Panthers were in trouble when they conceded 175/4 in 20 overs to Shivamogga Lions. But once the 30-year-old combined power with a heady dose of cheekiness enroute 108 from 50 balls, the second-fastest KPL century after K, Gowtham's 39-ball ton, it was game over for the Lions.

Manish Pandey's 25-ball 53 not out only hastened Lions' downfall.

Panthers raced to 180/1 in 14.4 overs to notch up a nine-wicket win to improve their chances of making it to the playoffs. They are currently third on the table with five points from as many games.

Should they win their final league engagement against the Bijapur Bulls on Monday, they will make it to the knockouts.

Earlier, Arjun Hoysala and Pavan Deshpande hit stroke-filled half-centuries to power Lions to 175/4. While Hoysala struck 77 off 58 balls, Deshpande too came good with a 35-ball 59 as the duo added 106 runs for the third wicket. However, their efforts proved too little in the end.