MUSCAT: The inaugural match of the Legends League Cricket 2022 got underway today at Al Amerat Cricket Grounds (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat between Asian Lions and the Indian Maharajas. Indian Maharaja’s secured a 6 wicket win, reaching the Lion’s target of 175 runs in the 19th over.
The inaugural edition of Legends League Cricket (LLC) would be played from 20th to 29th of January in Oman. A team from India (Indian Maharajas), one from the rest of Asia (Asian Lions) and another one from the rest of the world (World Giants) will participate in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
Today’s opening match between was between Asian Lions and the Indian Maharajas. It was indeed a privilege to the audience to see legendary cricketers from Asia play clean, competitive cricket managing good humour in between as well.
The India Maharajas Playing XI today was Naman Ojha (wk), S Badrinath, Hemang Badani, Venugopal Rao, Mohammad Kaif (c), Yusuf Pathan, Stuart Binny, Irfan Pathan, Pragyan Ojha, Manpreet Gony, Munaf Patel
The Asia Lions Playing XI today was Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kamran Akmal (wk), Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Hafeez, Nuwan Kulasekara, Shoaib Akhtar, Muttiah Muralitharan, Umar Gul.
While Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga is appointed the Asian Lion’s coach.
India Maharajas led by Mohamed Kaif won the toss and opted to bowl. Asian Lions led by former Pakistan Cricket Coach and formal Pakistan National team cricketer, Misbah-ul-Haq scored 175 runs for 7 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Former Sri Lankan cricketer Upul Tharanga top scored for the Lions, with 66 runs off 46 balls while Skipper Misbah blasted a quick fire 44 runs in 30 balls. Gony picked up 2 wickets for 45 runs for the Maharajas however the most economical bowler was Former Indian All Rounder Irfan Pathan who picked up 1 wicket for 22 runs off 4 overs.
Chasing 175 runs, Indian Maharajas got to a slow start with Ojha and Binny at the wickets. Nuwan Kulasekara opened the bowling with Shohaib Akthar for the Asian Lions and bowled a very disciplined opening spell. Akthar picked up Binny’s wicket while Umar Gul bowled Ojha for 20 runs. Former Indian Cricketers Yousuf Pathan and Mohamed Kaif batted brilliantly to bring the Maharajas closer to the target. Yousuf Pathan reached his aggressive half century with a brilliant six in just 28 balls. His brilliant innings of 80 runs off 40 balls ended in a run out.
Just 36 runs was needed off the last 5 overs, the Maharajas cruised to a 6 wicket victory in 19th over. The 117 runs partnership between Mohamed Kaif and Yousuf Pathan sealed the victory for the Maharajas. Yousuf Pathan was named the player of the match for his 80 runs off 40 balls.
Shohaib Akthar bowled brilliantly giving away only 21 runs off 4 overs for one wicket. Sri Lanka’s legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan gave away 32 runs off his 4 overs.
A unique feature in the Legends League Cricket is that an All Women Match Official Team team would be officiating an entire men’s league. Shandre Frtiz from South Africa is the Match Referee for the entire League. The umpires officiating the matches were Shubdha Bhosle Gaikwad, the youngest female umpire in India, Lauren Agenbag from South Africa, Humaira Farah from Pakistan, and Renee Montgomery from Hongkong.
The next match is scheduled on 21st January (Friday) at 8 pm IST between Asian Lions and World Giants.