MUSCAT: The fourth match of the Legends League Cricket 2022 between Asian Lions and the Indian Maharajas unfolded at the Al Amerat Cricket Grounds (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat Monday, Jan.24.
Asian Lions defending a score of 193 runs managed to keep the Indian Maharajas to 157 runs , to win by a healthy margin of 36 runs.
Six Sri Lankan Legends played in Monday’s match Asian Lions ( T M Dilshan, Romesh Kaluwuitharana, Muttiah Muralitharan, Upul Tharanga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dilhara Fernando)
Asian Lions managed to score 193 runs for 4 wickets off the 20 overs owing to a fantastic innings from Upul Tharanga for 72 runs off 45 balls. He was well supported by a swashbuckling innings by Asghar Afghan the legendary former Afghanistan of 69 runs off 28 balls. Asghar reached the second fastest half century of this tournament (in 23 balls). Asian Lions openers were Sri Lankan legends Dilshan and Kaluwithrana. Dilshan fell for Maharaja’s opening bowler binny for a zero while Kaluwitharana hit only 13 runs. Indian Maharaja’s Bhandari picked up the best bowling figures of 2 for 41 runs including the prize wicket of Upul Tharanga off his 4 overs.
India Maharaja’s last match centurion Ojha only managed 4 runs today before falling victim to the legendary fast bowler Shohaib Akthar. Wasim Jaffer batted well for 35 runs off 25 balls however gave away his wicket to Rafique. Indian Maharaja’s chasing 194 runs reached 100 runs for 4 wickets in the 12th over with the power hitting Yusuf Pathan (21 runs) at the wicket along with Goni. However Asian Lions skipper Misbah, did an interesting bowling change which paid off well. Asghar Afghan was introduced to the bowling attack and he picked up the danger man Pathan pushing the Maharaja’s to the backfoot. Asghar picked up the Maharaja’s skipper Kaif for just one run soon after. Asghar finished with bowling figures of 2 wickets for 23 runs.
Muralitharan bowled economically for 4 for 23 runs. He continued to weave his magic along with his doosra just like the old times and kept the batsman in check.
Nuwan Kulasekara picked up the 7th and 8th wicket in quick sucession and Maharajas were in trouble at 137 for 8 wickets in the 18th over. Kulasekara ended with 2 wickets giving away only 14 runs (off 4 overs).
Maharaja’s Gony (35 off 19 balls) kept fighting till the end with majestic shots all around the park. However, maharaja’s only managed to reach 157 for 8 wickets in 20 overs. Asian Lions won by 36 runs and now top the table in the league. Asghar Afghan was named the ‘Legend of the Match’.
The next match is scheduled on 26th January (Wednesday) at 8 pm IST between Indian Maharajas and World Giants. (RZ)
