MUSCAT: A Sensational final with more than 480 runs scored in 40 overs ended with the Darren Sammy led ‘World Giants’ being crowned the inaugural Legend League Cricket Champions 2022.
The grand finale of the Legends League Cricket 2022 between Asian Lions and the World Giants was played today at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat. It was a fitting final and World Giants won by 25 runs in a high scoring match.
Asian Lions won the toss and opted to bowl. World Giants opener Pietersen gave a steady start with a cameo of 48 runs before being removed by Sri Lankan Legend Chaminda Vass. Nuwan Kulasekara picked up two more quick wickets to have the Giants struggling at 65 for 3 wickets. However, Corey Anderson navigated the World Giants innings along with Haddin and Skipper Sammy. Anderson top scored with 94 runs in 43 balls (8 sixers and 7 fours). Aggressive cameos by Haddin (37 runs) and Sammy (38 runs) supported Anderson. World Giants reached a gigantic score of 256 runs for loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs. Kulasekara picked up 3 wickets for 45 runs off his 4 overs while Vass picked up the prized wicket of Kevin Pietersen for 47 runs
Chasing World Giants Score of 256 runs, Sri Lankan former sensational opener, Sanath Jayasuriya together with Dilshan gave Asian Lions a spectacular start reaching 56 runs in the 5th over with Jayasuriya contributing 29 runs and Dilshan contributing 24 runs. Dilshan’s wicket was picked up by Mone Morkel for 25 runs while Albie Morkel took the wicket of Jayasuriya (38 runs). Upul Tharanga started well but Monty Panesar bowled him for 25 runs. Skipper Misbah was out for 2 and the target seemed distant by the 12th over. Asian Lions were struggling at 128 for 5 wickets in the 12th over. Due to a fast and furious cameo by Yousuf , Asian Lions reached 200 for 6 wickets in the 18th over. Yousuf stood unbeaten with a score of 39 runs from 21 balls.
Giants Albie Morkel picked up 3 wickets for 35 runs while Monty Panesar picked up 2 for 40 runs.
Asian Lions reached 231 runs for the loss of 8 wickets but fell short and Giants won by 25 runs. Sri Lankan Legend Muralitharan hitting Pietersen for a six in the first ball he faced was a highlight at the end of the Asian Lions innings.
Cory Anderson was named the Legend of the Match while Morne Morkel was named the Legend of the Series.
The Legends League cricket 2022 has been a wonderful tournament and indeed a treat to cricket fans who took a nostalgic journey watching cricketing legends from world over coming together playing competitive cricket. (RZ)
