MUSCAT: The fifth match of the Legends League Cricket 2022 between Asian Lions and the World Giants witnessed a mesmerizing innings from England Legend Kevin Petersen who hit 30 runs against a Sanath Jayasuriya over. Pietersen innings of 86 runs contributed to a World Giant win by 7 wickets against the Asian Lions. Chasing 149 runs, World Giants reached 152 for 3 wickets in the 13th over.
World Giants won the toss and opted to bowl. The World Giant playing XI included Kevin Pietersen, Herschelle Gibbs, Kevin O Brien, Corey Anderson, Brad Haddin (wk), Albie Morkel, Daren Sammy (c), Brett Lee, Morne Morkel, Ryan Jay Sidebottom, Monty Panesar.
Asian Lions playing XI today Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Upul Tharanga (wk), Asghar Afghan, Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Mohammad Rafique, Nuwan Kulasekara, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando
Asian Lions only managed 149 runs for the loss of 7 wickets (in 20 overs). Asghar Afghan top scored for the lions with 41 runs off 26 balls. Romesh Kaluwitharana held the fort after few quick wickets and hit 26 runs off 23 balls before being retired hurt. Upul Tharanga who has three half centuries under his belt in the League only managed 22 runs against the lethal bowling display by World Giants. The bowling destruction was led by Morne Morkel who ended with bowling figures 2 wickets for 24 runs.
Chasing 149 runs, world giants trampled all over the lion’s bowling with Kevin Pietersen leading the onslaught with 7 sixers and 9 boundaries in his innings of 86 runs off 38 balls.He was well supported by Kevin O Brien who scored 31 runs.
By the 10th over, World Giants had reached 123 runs, needing only 27 runs off 60 balls to win with 9 wickets in hand. Giants leaped to a win by the 13th over by reaching 152 for 3 wickets. Pietersen was named the legend of the match.
Sri Lankan bowling legend Muralitharan picked up 2 wickets for 22 runs off 3 overs. Nuwan Kulasekara and Vass bowled well for 1 for 15 runs (2 overs) and 0 – 15 runs (2 overs) respectively.
Asian Lions have ended all the group matches and finished second with 4 points. World Giants picked up 2 points today and have a total of 4 points at the end of 3 matches. Indian Maharajas only has bagged 2 points from 3 matches. World Giants top the table with a positive run rate.
The final match at the group level is scheduled on 27th January (Thursday) at 8 pm IST between Indian Maharajas and World Giants. The finals of the Legends League Cricket will be held on 29th January, Saturday.(RZ)
