The India Maharajas were dealt a massive blow as the Asia Lions confirmed their place in the Legends League Masters (LLC) 2023 campaign alongside the World Giants in Doha on Saturday (March 18) night. Chasing a massive 191 for the win, the Maharajas were bundled for 106 in the Eliminator clash courtesy of some stellar bowling by the Pakistani bowlers in the Lions' team.
It was a bright start by the Indian batters in the run-chase, with Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir going strong. Gambhir was his usual aggressive self and scored 32 runs in 17 balls with 7 fours but a miscued shot off Mohammad Hafeez's bowling fell straight into the hands of Misbah-ul-Haq.
Robin Uthappa (15) followed soon after as the Indian batters began their collapse. Mohammad Kaif (14) and Suresh Raina (18) were the last recognised batters to reach doubles digits as the team went on a downward spiral in the eliminator.
Sohail Tanvir bagged the wickets of Raina and Stuart Binny (0) while Abdur Razzak got Manvinder Bisla (8) and Ashok Dinda (2). Even Mohammad Hafeez got two and sent Gambhir and Yusuf Pathan back to the pavilion.
Isuru Udana, Shahid Afridi, and Tillakaratne Dilshan all got one wicket each.
Earlier, the Lions rode on Upul Tharanga's brilliant half-century off just 31 balls as the batter hit 7 fours and 1 six during his innings. However, he was sent back after an exceptional one-handed catch off Pragyan Ojha's bowling to bring back memories of the olden days.
It was a bright display from Asia Lions, whose top order shone brightly to help themselves to an unassailable target. Tharanga and his former Sri Lankan teammate Dilshan (27) shared an 83-run partnership while Hafeez (38) Asghar Afghan (34) and Thisara Perera also made important contributions to the cause.
Among the Indian bowlers, Stuart Binny and Ojha nabbed two while Pravin Tambe got the other one wicket as the Maharajas went into the dressing room knowing the daunting task ahead of them.
READ ALSO:
