MUSCAT: The sixth and final group match of the Legends League Cricket 2022 between Indian Maharajas and the World Giants was played today at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat. Sixers rained in Muscat, with a high scoring match going to the wire. In a must win game for the Indian Maharaja’s, the match tilted both ways but the Australian Legendary pace bowler Brett Lee sealed it with bowling brilliance to restrict Maharajas to 223 runs to win by 5 runs and to march in to the finals.
In a must win game for the Indian Maharaja’s, Skipper Yusuf Pathan won the toss and opted to bowl. The Indian Maharaja’s playing XI in this match included Wasim Jaffer, Naman Ojha (wk), S Badrinath, Yusuf Pathan (c), Stuart Binny, Irfan Pathan, Rajat Bhatia, Nikhil Chopra, Aavishkar Salvi, Munaf Patel, Amit Bhandari
World Giant’s did few changes to their winning team against the Asian Lions by bringing in Jonty Rhodes and Phil Mustard. The Giants playing XI included, Kevin Pietersen, Herschelle Gibbs, Phil Mustard (wk), Jonty Rhodes, Albie Morkel, Kevin O Brien, Daren Sammy (c), Morne Morkel, Brett Lee, Monty Panesar, Ryan Jay Sidebottom
Herschelle Gibbs played a stunning innings of 89 runs off 46 balls for the World Giants, well supported by Mustard for 57 runs. Giants scored 228 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs setting a target of 229 runs for Maharajas. Munaf Patel picked up 2 wickets for 36 runs off 4 balls.
Chasing 229 runs, Maharajas opener Ojha played well to bring stability to the chase. Giant’s picked up the wickets Jaffer (4 runs) and Badrinath (2 runs) at the early stages of the innings. At the end of 10 overs, Maharajas were 96 for 2 wickets. Ojha contributed 63 runs off 34 balls out of the 96 runs total and was going strong along with skipper Yusuf Pathan.
Yusuf played a stunning power innings of 45 runs off 22 balls before falling victim to Albie Morkel. RJ Side bottom picked up the all-important wicket of Ojha for 95 runs off 51 balls (7 sixers and 8 boundaries). Maharajas went in to the last 3 overs needing 35 runs with 5 wickets in hand. Irfan Pathan was leading the charge with a quick-fire cameo. Morne Morkel picked up 2 wickets for 37 runs for the Giant’s while Side bottom picked up 2 wickets 44 runs
Irfan Pathan hit the quickest half century in the series hitting 50 runs off 18 balls. With one over to spare Maharajas needed only 8 runs to win. However, Brett Lee had other ideas. Irfan was picked up by Brett Lee for 56 runs (off 20 balls), enhancing the intensity of the match. Brett Lee bowled a brilliant last over giving away only 2 runs to restrict Maharajas to 223 runs for 7 wickets to win by 5 runs. Gibbs was named the Legend of the match for his brilliant innings of 89 runs.
World Giants and Asian Lions will play in the finals of the Legends League Cricket which is scheduled to be held on 29th January, Saturday.(RZ)
