The World Giants sealed their place in the final of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2023 edition with a comprehensive 20-run victory over the Asia Lions in Doha on Thursday (March 16) night. Riding on half-centuries by Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis, the Giants outmuscled their opponents and defended 150 runs to reach their second straight LLC final.
The Asia Lions are headlined by some of the best former players in the sub-continent, but the likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Tanvir and Shahid Afridi failed to make their efforts count. But they started well, sending Chris Gayle back to the pavilion for just two runs.
Skipper Shane Watson also faltered, with his six runs in 11 balls, but paved the way for Jacques Kallis. The legendary all-rounder proved his worth with a quickfire 56 off 43 balls and with Amla, went on to register a 105-run partnership before Amla was eventually bowled by Mohammad Amir.
Kevin O'Brien closed out the first innings with nine runs in three balls.
Among the bowlers, Zimbabwean Chris Mpofu and West Indian Tino Best starred with three wickets each as the World Giants took the Asia Lions down for 130 runs.
The Lions started strong with an early flourish courtesy of Tillakaratne Dilshan but the star Sri Lanka batter was caught LBW by Best. This was after the wicket of his opening partner Upul Tharanga, who scored just four runs. From there, it was all downhill as only Thisara Perera (12), Mohammad Hafeez (13), and skipper Shahid Afridi (26) reached double digits for the Giants.
In the end, the Giants were bowled out for 130 runs in 19.1 overs to seal their place in the ultimate match of the tournament in a bid to retain the trophy. Meanwhile, the Asia Lions and the India Maharajas will met in the eliminator on Saturday, March 18.
