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As big names of T20 cricket failed to make a mark, former India Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand rose to the occasion and scored 68 runs to help Los Angeles Knight Riders post a fighting total of 162/7. Then Ali Khan and Spencer Johnson dominated the proceedings and helped Sunil Narine-led side win by 13 runs at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas on the opening day of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024.
Chand rises for Knight Riders
Earlier, Texas Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and opted to field first. Jason Roy and Narine failed to make a mark and were dismissed for single-digit scores. Roy scored two runs from 11 balls. Shakib Al Hasan got off to a good start but failed to convert into a big score. Chand anchored the innings while Nitish Kumar contributed with a 17-ball 26 cameo. David Miller struggled and was dismissed by Aaron Hardie in his first match since the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Andre Russell got out hit wicket but Chand's 45-ball 68 took LA Knight Riders past 150. Cameos from Derone Davis and Corne Dry took the score to 162/7.
Conway’s fifty in vain
In the run chase, Du Plessis lost his wicket to Johnson in the fifth over. Devon Conway anchored the innings while Hardie struggled and succumbed to Shakib. In the 14th over, Ali struck thrice to dismiss Conway, Joshua Tromp and Milind Kumar. Conway scored 53 runs from 39 balls. Then Narine got the wicket of Marcus Stoinis. In the slog overs, Calvin Savage tried to revive the run chase with his 18-ball 29 cameo but it wasn't enough. Johnson and Ali got one more wicket each as Texas Super Kings managed to post 150/8 and lost by 13 runs.
Ali lauds Narine
Ali was named ‘Player of the match’ for taking four wickets for 33 runs.
“Cramping right now but felt great out there in the middle and put all my effort for the team. Under Sunil I have been bowling in different roles and he knows me well from other leagues as well. Luckily it paid off today. Fighting mentality, do your best and leave the result to God. I thought he dropped it at first but it aas unbelievable that he caught it again,” the USA bowler said in the post-match presentation.
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