Cricket

Legends League Cricket January 2022

Actor Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli posted a statement after photos of their daughter Vamika was clicked on January 23 (Sunday), in Cape Town, during the third and final match of the ODI series between India and South Africa. Since then, the photos have gone viral on social media.&nbsp;The actress wrote a statement saying that they “were caught off guard” and did not know that “the camera was on us.”&nbsp;Anushka's statement“Hi guys! We realise that our daughter's images were captured at the stadium yesterday and widely shared thereafter. We want to inform everyone that we were caught off guard and didn't know that the camera was on us," Anushka wrote.&nbsp;Anushka went on to say that their “stance and request” on the matter “stay the same.” She requested not to click or publish their daughter’s images.&nbsp;“Our stance and request on the matter stay the same. We would really appreciate it if Vamika's images are not clicked/ published for reasons we have explained earlier. Thank You,” Anuskha added.&nbsp;The statement has been shared by Virat Kohli as well on his Instagram story.&nbsp;India's defeatIn the match, team India led by KL Rahul had to suffer three back-to-back defeats in the ODI series after the visitors lost the final match by 4 runs.&nbsp;Batting first, South Africa registered a formidable total of 287 runs. Their opening batsman Quinton de Kock notched a terrific century as he scored 124 runs off 130 balls. His innings was comprised of 12 boundaries and 2 sixes.&nbsp;Another South Africa batter, Rassie van der Dussen, on the other hand, scored a half century (52 runs off 59 deliveries) as well. Later, David Miller scored 39 runs off 38 balls to take his side to a comfortable position.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna bagged three wickets as Jasprit Bumrah and Deepak Chahar picked up two wickets each. &nbsp;&nbsp;In reply, India lost their opener KL Rahul (9 runs off 10 balls) pretty quickly after pacer Lungi Ngidi managed to dismiss the Indian skipper in the 5th over of the innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Virat Kohli (65 runs off 84 deliveries) and other opener Shikhar Dhawan (61 runs off 73 balls) helped team India in averting the early danger but both of them departed after registering a solid partnership of 98 runs.&nbsp;Later, Chahar played a fine knock of 54 runs off 34 balls but his fight did not come useful as the visitors eventually had to concede a 4-run defeat. &nbsp;

legends-league-cricket-20-jan-2022

Kohli, Anushka not happy with daughter Vamika's stadium photos shared widely, urge to respect their privacy

Recently retired former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan was on fire in the Howzat Legends League Cricket (LLC) clash between Asian Lions and Indian Maharajas. Getting his first chance to bat in the tournament, Afghan smoked seven sixes and four fours in his unbeaten 69 off just 28 balls. Later while defending the total, he took two wickets in three balls to end Maharajas chance of chasing down the target of 194. In the end, Lions registered a comfortable 36-run victory to reach to the top of the points table.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unimpressive run chaseChasing a total of 194, Maharajas lost the early wicket of Naman Ojha, who scored a century in the previous game against World Giants. Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar got the big wicket with the new ball. Akhtar would have got the wicket of opener Wasim Jaffer as well had Mohammad Rafique not dropped his catch. Subramaniam Badrinath failed to make an impact as well and got out for a single-digit score. Skipper Mohammad Kaif had to leave the field early as he pulled a muscle in his calf. Jaffer’s wicket in the eighth over created more pressure in the run chase. He scored a 25-ball 35 before getting out to Rafique.&nbsp;Yusuf Pathan and Stuart Binny tried to revive the run chase but succumbed to the increasing pressure of required run rate. Pathan scored 21 whereas Binny scored 25. In the 14th over, Afghan got the wickets of Pathan and Kaif as the latter returned to the field with an intention to hit big. In the end Manpreet Gony hit a few sixes to entertain the crowd but it was not enough to help Maharajas make a comeback. Maharajas managed to score 157/8 and fell well short of the target which had a major impact on their net run rate.&nbsp;Tharanga, Afghan change the gameLions’ innings did not get off to a great start either as Tillakaratne got out for a golden duck to Binny. Wicketkeeper-batter Romesh Kaluwitharana looked lacklustre as he managed just 13 runs off 15 deliveries. Upul Tharanga continued his golden run in the tournament with third consecutive fifty. Tharanga kept firing from one end. Mohammad Yousuf showed promise but failed to make a mark with 24-ball 26. In the 14th over, Afghan joined Tharanga at the crease. He started by hitting 17 runs off Nikhil Chopra’s over. In the 17th over, he decimated Binny’s bowling with three consecutive sixes and a boundary. While Tharanga got out for 45-ball 72, Afghan carried on and completed his half-century off just 23 deliveries in the penultimate over. He also hit two sixes in the final over to help Lions post a daunting total.

7 huge sixes in quickfire 69 & 2 wickets in 3 balls, Asghar Afghan helps Asia Lions beat India Maharajas

Former England skipper played a terrific inning of 86 runs off just 36 balls to secure a seven-wicket victory for his side World Giants against Asia Lions in a Legend League Cricket match, played on January 26 (Wednesday), in Oman.&nbsp;&nbsp;And after that terrific innings, Pietersen was praised by many and India wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswmai wanted the former England skipper to make a comeback to Indian Premier League (IPL).&nbsp;&nbsp;Goswami wrote on Twitter, “Get back to the IPL mate.”&nbsp;And in a hilarious reply, Pieteresen said that he would be “too expensive” and “would probably end up being top scorer in the league.”&nbsp;Pietersen's words"I'd be too expensive and would probably end up being the top scorer in the league. It would embarrass all the modern day players,” Pietersen replied to his former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate Goswami.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Bengal-born wicketkeeper also shared a video of Pietersen’s batting on Twitter and wrote, “Wow, he can still do this at this age. How good! The flair.”&nbsp;The original video was posted by Pietersen on Twitter and he wrote, “AboutLastNight if you have a minute!”&nbsp;Pietersen's superb formIn the ongoing, Legends League Cricket, the 41-year-old former English cricketer has been in good form and he has already scored 164 runs after playing 4 matches at a strike rate of more than 200.&nbsp;In the match against, Asia Lions, Giants bowled first and had a target of 150 runs to chase in 20 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pietersen started the run chase on a convincing note and seemed in sublime form. His innings was comprised of 9 boundaries and 7 sixes. The right-handed batsman looked set to score a century but eventually he was dismissed by former Sri Lanka spinner Muthiah Muralidaran in the 11th over of the innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Giants, their Irish batter, Kevin O’Brien played a solid knock of 31 runs off 24 balls and remained not out to secure victory for his side.&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually, Giants reached the target with 7 overs remaining.&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, Pieteresen’s side are at the top spot with 6 points from 4 matches. They have won three matches and lost in the remaining clash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lions on the other hand, are at second position with 4 points in their tally from 4 matches. &nbsp;

'I'd be too expensive,' Kevin Pietersen's hilarious reply on being asked to make IPL comeback

The electrifying clash between India and Pakistan can never fail to generate excitement and sheer enthusiasm. The incidents on the field not only create a huge buzz but the off-field matters often become a point of huge debate. Players from both the countries have previously been seen involved in heated arguments during the match.&nbsp;One such incident happened back in 2010, during the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir were found to be getting involved in a verbal scuffle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Akmal and IshantBut that was not the only case in which Akmal was involved. Later, in 2012, Akmal again got involved in a verbal argument with Indian pacer Ishant Sharma, during a T20I match that was being played in Bengaluru.&nbsp;&nbsp;And now, while recalling the incident, Akmal said that he does not have any rivalry with both of them. Akmal further added that the incident with Gambhir “happened due to misunderstanding.”&nbsp;"I don't think I have any rivalry with both of them. It happened due to misunderstanding. It happened. I had a misunderstanding with Gautam in Asia Cup. He is a good person and a good cricketer too. We have played together with A team. So, there is no rivalry. Seriously, there is nothing,” the 40-year-old former Pakistan wicketkeeper said in a video shared by the Legends League Cricket (LLC) on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;No rivalry"Even with Ishant Sharma, I don't have any rivalry. Whatever happened in Bengaluru,” he further added.&nbsp;Akmal has played in 58 T20Is and in 157 ODI matches for his country. On the other hand, in the longest format of the game, he has donned his national team’s jersey in 53 matches.&nbsp;He had played in his last T20I for Pakistan back in 2017, against West Indies. In the shortest format of the game he had scored 6623 runs for Pakistan with a highest score of 150 not out.&nbsp;Last year, in 2021, he had withdrawn from the Pakistan Super League (PSL).&nbsp;Recently, Akmal has been a part of the Asia Lions team in the Legends League Cricket; that was held in Oman.&nbsp;

'I had a misunderstanding with Gautam,' former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal recalls his Asia Cup altercation with Gautam Gambhir

Electrifying India-Pakistan clashes never fail to generate huge excitement and sheer enthusiasm. Not only the incidents on the field become point of heated discussions but also the off the field matters get much attention.&nbsp;&nbsp;One such matter recently took place, when former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul considered himself as a better batsman than former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh. While talking about his batting skills, Gul said that, “… it means that I am better than Harbhajan Singh when it comes batting.”&nbsp;Gul's comoarisonWhile talking about his batting, Gul recalled his Man of the Match award that he received back in 2012, during a T20 World Cup match, against South Africa which took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka.&nbsp;&nbsp;In that game, the former Pakistan pace bowler scored 32 runs off 17 deliveries. His innings was comprised of 2 boundaries and 3 sixes. It is important to mention that it has remained as his highest score in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;“Harbhajan Singh has also batted well, but I have won a Player of the Match in a World Cup game for my batting. So, it means that I am better than Harbhajan Singh when it comes to batting.” Gul told in a video that was posted on the official Twitter handle of Legends League Cricket (LLC).&nbsp;In the recently concluded LLC tournament, Gul played for Asia Lions side and bagged just one wicket at an economy rate 12.90.&nbsp;In T20I, the 39-year-old, Peshawar-born bowler has played 60 matches for his national team. Gul has amassed 165 runs in T20I at a strike rate of 105.76. His average in T20I has been 9.16.&nbsp;Harbhajan's numbersOn the other hand, Harbhajan Singh has played in 28 T20I matches and has scored 108 runs at an average of 13.50 and with a strike rate of 124.13.&nbsp;In the longest format of the game, Harbhajan has scored 2 centuries and 9 half centuries and scored 2224 runs. His highest score in Test cricket has been 115.&nbsp;On the other hand, Gul has a highest score of 65 (not out) in Test cricket and just one half century. The right-handed batsman notched 577 runs in Test cricket.&nbsp;

'I am better than Harbhajan Singh when it comes to batting,' former Pakistan pacer talks about his batting skills

Kevin O’Brien’s 96 runs off 45 balls went in vain as Asia Lions successfully chased a mammoth total of 206 runs to beat World Giants by 6 wickets in a Legends League Cricket match played on January 21 (Friday), in Muscat, Oman.&nbsp;Batting first, Giants registered a huge total of 205 runs losing 7 wickets in 20 overs. Ireland batsman Kevin O’Brien played a brilliant knock and scored 96 runs off just 45 deliveries. His innings was comprised of 7 boundaries and 7 sixes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Terrific knockKevin seemed set to score a century as well but eventually he was dismissed by Sri Lankan spinner Muthiah Muralidaran in the 18th over of the innings but by then the Irish batsman had managed to take his team to a defendable score of 178 runs.&nbsp;Apart from Kevin no other Giants batsman could do something productive in the batting unit. Openers Kevin Pietersen (14 runs off 11 balls) and Phil Mustard (28 runs off 22 deliveries) had tried to produce a solid start for their side but Lions bowlers managed to pick up wickets in quick succession.&nbsp;For Lions, their pace bowler Nuwan Kulasekara and Mohammad Hafeez picked up two wickets each.&nbsp;Lions bowlers not only conceded 205 runs but also they showed lack of discipline in their bowling as they conceded 11 extra (8 wides and 3 leg-byes) runs.&nbsp;Dilshan's half-centuryIn reply, Lions lost their first wicket in the 4th over of their innings after wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal departed scoring 14 runs off 10 balls. But the other opener Tilakaratne Dilshan went on to score a half century (52 runs off 32 balls) and smashed 2 boundaries and 3 sixes.Dilshan got a good support from Upul Tharanga (63 runs off 43 balls) as well but the real job was done later by their skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (19 not out off 11 balls) and Asghar Afghan (14 not out off 7 balls). These two batsmen played superbly to successfully chase down a big target of 206 runs.A 40-run partnership off just 16 balls between these two batsmen helped their side in reaching 209 runs losing only 4 wickets in 19.2 overs.With this win, Lions secured their first victory of the tournament and are currently at second spot. &nbsp;&nbsp;

World Giants' batter's 46-ball 95 in vain as Afghan-Misbah duo finish 206-run chase in style

In a high-scoring affair at Al Amerat Cricket Ground, it was Brett Lee who made the difference with a superb last over as India Maharajas lose by five runs. With eight runs to defend and a rampant Irfan Pathan on strike, Lee conceded just two runs, got two wickets and helped Giants pull off their third win of the tournament. After a close defeat Maharajas crashed out of inaugural Howzat Legends League Cricket tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;Faulty startThe run chase did not get off to as Wasim Jaffer and Subramaniam Badrinath got out within four overs without making an impact. Maharajas were struggling to keep up with the required run rate. India were 31/2 in five overs but Yusuf and Ojha started accelerating from the final over of powerplay overs.&nbsp;Ojha-Yusuf change the gameOjha switched gears and got to his half-century off 29 deliveries. Yusuf got going with a 25-run 10th over where he hammered Kevin O Brien. Just when Maharajas looked in control, Albie Morkel got the breakthrough to remove Yusuf. The right-handed batter scored 45 runs off 22 deliveries including two fours and five sixes. Stuart Binny disappointed and got out cheaply, bringing Irfan to the crease in 14th over. In the next over, Ojha hit a few boundaries but got out off the last ball to Ryan Sidebottom. The wicketkeeper-batter missed his century. He scored 95 runs off 51 deliveries laced with eight fours and seven sixes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lee stops rampant IrfanIrfan kept the run chase alive with sensational hitting and a stroke of lunch. The left-handed batter was dropped a few times in the field but continued to hit big. In the 17th over, he hit Sidebottom for three sixes in a row. In the next two overs he took on Morkel brothers to get the equation to eight runs off six deliveries. He also scored the fastest half-century of the tournament off just 18 deliveries. But former Australian speedster used his slog overs experience and, bowled full and wide to get the wickets of Irfan, Rajat Bhatia (via run out) and then beat Aavishkar Salvi outside off stump to win it for his team.&nbsp;Fiery startAfter being put to bat first by stand-in skipper Yusuf, World Giants got off to a fiery start despite losing hero of last match, Kevin Pietersen for a score of 11. Opener Phil Mustard and Herschelle Gibbs took Mahrajas’ bowlers to the cleaners. The two shared a 98-run partnership for the second wicket before Mustard got out for a 33-ball 57 including five fours and four sixes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearly unstoppable GibbsGibbs continued his brutal knock with a huge boost from the other end in form of O Brien. The Ireland batter hit five sixes in his 14-ball 34. Gibbs and O Brien shared a destructive 71-run partnership off just 32 balls. Gibbs seemed unstoppable and on his way to century, but Rajat Bhatia got the crucial wicket. Initially, the umpire did not give him out, but the former Proteas batter walked off as he knew he had edged it to the wicketkeeper. He scored 89 runs from 46 deliveries including seven fours and as many sixes.&nbsp;Towards the end, cameos from Albie Morkel (16) and Jonty Rhodes (20) helped Giants post 228/5 in first innings. For Maharajas, Binny was the most expensive ones as he conceded 50 runs from four overs along with the wicket of O Brien.&nbsp;In the final, on January 29, World Giants will take on Misbah-ul-Haq’s Asia Lions in the final.&nbsp;

Brett Lee’s superb last over wrecks India Maharajas’ mammoth chase to knock them out of Legends League Cricket

Good old Kevin Pietersen ran riot on Wednesday (January 26) as he smashed 86 runs off just 38 deliveries to lead the World Giants to a thumping seven-wicket win in match five of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) against Asia Lions. The match-winning knock from Pietersen saw World Giants go to the summit of the table with two wins and one defeat, while Lions hang on to the second place. The 41-year-old was slightly unlucky not to have recorded a hundred on the night.&nbsp;After winning the toss, World XI captain Daren Sammy elected to bowl in an empty Al Amerat Stadium in Muscat. The matches are now played in an empty stadium due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases. After losing Sanath Jayasuriya (3) early, Tillakaratne Dilshan (17) and Upul Tharanga (22) steadied the ship before Ryan Sidebottom and Morne Morkel picked two wickets each to restrict the Lions to 149/7. Asghar Afghan ended as top-scorer with a 41-run knock off 26 deliveries to help his team reach a respectable total.&nbsp;The Kevin Pietersen showThe veteran England batter turned back the clocks to remind how devastating he used to be, as he recorded 86 runs within no time. His knock included seven sixes and nine fours, which meant that the 150-run target was reached in just 13 overs to record a big win. Pietersen missed out on a hundred as legendary Muttiah Muralitharan got the better of him in the 11th over. Before departing, he made sure the job was done, in Jayasuriya's only over he smashed 30 runs including three fours and three sixes. Kevin O'Brien (31) and Brad Haddin (4) saw the Giants home to top the rankings.&nbsp;On Thursday (January 27), India Maharajas take on World Giants, with a must-win situation for the Maharajas. They currently have only one win in three matches and are poised to make the final on Saturday. Anything less than a win will see the Maharajas sit out of the showdown final as they will also need to improve on their net run rate (NRR).

Kevin Pietersen turns back the clock with 86-run knock for World Giants, hits Jayasuriya for 30 runs in an over

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has opened up on the reason why he called Yuvraj Singh a 'pie-chucker' after guiding the World Giants to the final of the ongoing Legends League Cricket (LLC). Speaking in a video posted on the Twitter handle of the LLC, Pietersen recalled his memories from the playing days and how Yuvraj was a tough bowler to face, despite being a part-timer. &nbsp;“Playing against Yuvraj Singh was always an issue. Left-arm spin was always an issue. But when Yuvraj came on I thought this is the opportunity to score. Then he started knocking me over. Then I started to get a bit frustrated but my favorite shot against Yuvraj was the forward defensive block. That defensive shot, you can get past this pie-chucker”, the 41-year-old Pietersen said in the video. &nbsp;Pietersen was recently seen in top form as he notched 86 runs in just 38 deliveries in the league stage encounter against Asia Lions, a feisty reminder of how deadly he used to be in his playing days. Like Yuvraj, Pietersen was also a part-timer, but the Indian player reached his pinnacle by helping India win the 2011 ODI World Cup. Pietersen, on the other hand helped his England side win the 2010 T20 World Cup. “I called Yuvraj a pie-chucker purely based on the fact that he knocked me over a couple of times and I didn’t want to tell the rest of the world that he was any good. He is that rubbish provider you play with. You think I am bigger than the other player and try and force yourself on the opposition and he comes back at you”, the former England captain added. The LLC will reach its conclusion on Saturday (January 29) as World Giants face Asia Lions in the final. Brett Lee guided the World Giants to a famous win against India Maharajas in the final league encounter by three wickets as they reached the final. The winner of the final will be crowned the inaugural champions of the LLC.

This is the reason why Kevin Pietersen called Yuvraj Singh a ‘pie-chucker’

New Zealand’s Corey Anderson played an amazing innings of 94 runs off 43 balls to help his side World Giants beat Asia Lions by 25 runs and claim the inaugural edition of Legends League Cricket, on January 29 (Saturday), in Oman.&nbsp;Asia Lions skipper Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and elected to bowl first. But his decision did not seem to pay off as batting first; the Giants registered a mammoth total of 256 runs losing five wickets in 20 overs. England’s Kevin Pietersen continued his sensational form in the tournament as he scored 48 runs off 22 balls. His innings was comprised of 2 boundaries and 5 sixes. The right-handed opening batsman looked set to score another half century but in the sixth over of the match, he was dismissed by Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anderson's superb batting displayAfter losing three quick wickets, Lions found themselves in danger as they were reeling at 65 runs losing three wickets. But Anderson and Australia’s Brad Haddin (37 runs off 16 balls) showed superb batting skills as they successfully averted the danger. Their solid partnership was eventually broken by Sri Lankan spinner Muthiah Muralidaran, in the 13th over of the innings. Haddin’s innings was comprised of 2 boundaries and 4 sixes.&nbsp;Anderson, on the other hand, continued to score runs and remained not out 94 runs. His innings was comprised of 7 boundaries and 8 sixes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Two brilliant innings later- skipper Darren Sammy (38 runs off 17 balls) and Albie Morkel (17 runs off 8 balls), helped the Giants in reaching a huge total of 256 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Kulasekara was the best bowler of the Lions side after he bagged 3 wickets.&nbsp;Reaching the targetIn reply, Lions started the proceedings convincingly as their opening batsmen-Tilakaratne Dilshan (25 runs off 16 balls) and Sanath Jayasuriya (38 runs off 23 deliveries) registered a solid partnership of 57 runs. South African pacer Morne Morkel provided the crucial breakthrough as he dismissed Dilshan in the sixth over of the innings.&nbsp;Lions wicketkeeper Upul Tharanga (25 runs off 16 balls), Asghar Afghan (24 runs off 10 balls) and Mohammad Yousuf (39 runs off 21 balls) tried to clinch the match but eventually their efforts proved to be inadequate as their innings came to an end with 231 runs on the board in 20 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;South African all-rounder Albie Morkel picked up three wickets and Anderson was considered as the Man of the Match. &nbsp;

Corey Anderson's fiery knock helps World Giants to secure maiden Legends League Cricket title

Imran Tahir’s brilliant innings (52 runs off just 19 balls) helped World Giants in chasing successfully a huge total of 210 runs as they beat India Maharajas by 3 wickets in a Legends League Cricket match, played in Oman, on Saturday (January 22).&nbsp;Batting first, India Maharajas registered a mammoth total of 209 runs losing just 3 wickets in 20 overs. Indian wicketkeeper Naman Ojha played a terrific knock (140 runs off 69 balls) to score a century and give a solid start to the innings. Ojha’s innings was comprised of 15 boundaries and 9 sixes.&nbsp;&nbsp;South African pacer Morne Morkel eventually picked up the opening batsman’s wicket in the final over as South Africa’s Tahir took the catch to dismiss Ojha.&nbsp;Jaffer's dismissalAnother opener, Wasim Jaffer (0 off 2&nbsp; balls) was dismissed early as English fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom sent Jaffer back to the dressing room in the second over of the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;The English pacer seemed to be in a stunning form as on the very next delivery he picked up his second wicket of the match after dismissing Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath for a duck.&nbsp;But then skipper Mohammad Kaif came down to bat and notched a solid partnership of 187 runs off 109 balls along with Ojha to take his side’s total to 202 runs. Kaif remained not out with a score of 53 runs off 47 balls.&nbsp;&nbsp;English pacer Sidebottom was the best bowler for the Giants as he picked up two wickets in the game.&nbsp;Chasing a total of 210 In reply, Giants lost their first wicket in the second over after their opener Kevin O’Brien departed scoring 9 runs off 6 balls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another opener, Kevin Pietersen played a brilliant innings to score a half century (53 runs off 27 balls) but eventually he was dismissed by Indian all-rounder Stuart Binny in the 9th over of the innings.&nbsp;Giants bowler Tahir, later, played a superb knock to score a half century and help his side in reaching a huge total of 210 runs with 3 balls remaining. Tahir hit 3 boundaries and 5 sixes in his innings.&nbsp;With this victory, Giants registered their first victory of the tournament after playing 2 matches.&nbsp;

Imran Tahir becomes match-winner with 52 runs; India Maharajas lose even after scoring 209 runs

Yusuf Pathan played a superb knock of 80 runs off 40 balls to help his side India Maharajas in securing a six-wicket win against Asia Lions in the opening game of the Legends League Cricket, played in Muscat, Oman. While chasing a target of 176 runs, Yusuf along with stand-in skipper Mohammed Kaif (42 runs off 37 balls) scored a solid partnership of 117 runs off 64 balls to help his side in scripting the victory.&nbsp;Batting first, the Lions registered a total of 175 for 7 wickets in 20 overs.&nbsp;Tharanga's half-centuryTheir batter, Upul Tharanga was the highest run-scorer after the Sri Lankan scored 66 runs off 46 deliveries. His innings was comprised of 7 boundaries and 2 sixes. Indian bowler Munaf Patel eventually dismissed the dangerous batsman as he was caught by Venugopal Rao in the 17th over.&nbsp;Previously, Maharajas got a fine start after their all-rounder Stuart Binny sent opener Tilakaratne Dilshan back to the dressing room in the first over of the match. Sri Lanka’s Dilshan managed to hit a boundary and score just 5 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then the other opener Kamran Akmal and Tharanga played a constructive partnership of 39 runs to avert the initial danger. Manpreet Gony got the crucial breakthrough in the 6th over and dismissed wicketkeeper Akmal (25 runs off 17 balls).&nbsp;After Akmal’s dismissal, fall of two quick wickets left Lions reeling 79 for 4 wickets. But later, a cameo from skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (44 runs off 30 balls) helped his side in reaching a formidable total of 175 for 7 wickets in 20 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Maharajas, Gony was the best bowler after he managed to scalp three vital wickets.&nbsp;The run chaseIn reply; Maharajas lost three early wickets within 7 overs and scored just a mere total of 34 runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;But a brilliant partnership between Yusuf and Kaif helped their side in overcoming the early trouble and reach a total of 151 runs. Yusuf had to depart in the 17th over of the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;After Yusuf’s dismissal, his brother Irafn Pathan came down to bat and eventually Irfan’s 21 runs off 10 balls proved to be enough for the Maharajas to secure the victory.&nbsp;

Yusuf Pathan's terrific knock helps Indian Maharajas to secure victory in Legends League of Cricket

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has urged former India player Mohammad Kaif not to charge down the pitch and irritate him during the ongoing Howzat Legends League Cricket (LLC) in Oman. The two adversaries came across one another in the ongoing competition and it was Kaif's India Maharajas who beat the Asia XI in the maiden match of the tournament. In a funny post-match interview, the 'Rawalpindi Express' was irritated by Kaif's tactics to come down the pitch. After the match, Akhtar was full of praise but was seemingly irritated by Maharajas captain and was quoted as saying in a funny remark, “He is walking towards me again. I just feel like punching him.” “I have told him (Kaif) many-a-times on television to not walk on him but he did it again,” Akhtar added in the post-match. &nbsp;,The two shared a feisty rivalry in their competitive days in international cricket. The on-field rivalry between Kaif and Akhtar goes back to the 2003 World Cup when India beat Pakistan. The rivals would meet again on multiple occasions in years gone by, famously India's first tour of Pakistan in 2004. A destructive Kaif was a tough negotiator with the bat down the order whereas Akhtar was the ace of Pakistani attack in those days.&nbsp; Kaif led the India Maharajas to a well-deserved win on the opening night of LLC as the Maharajas came out on top in the final over, thanks to Yusuf Pathan's 80 off 40 deliveries. Kaif, on the other hand, played the anchor role and stayed unbeaten for 42 off 37 deliveries to steer the Maharajas home. The Pathan-Kaif pair put together a fourth-wicket stand of 117 runs, which proved to be the decisive factor in the win.&nbsp;Akhtar turned out to be the top-performer for his side in the bowling department. He conceded 21 runs in his four overs and got the wicket of opener Stuart Binny with the new ball.&nbsp; The ongoing edition of LLC in Oman has once again brought the nation on cricketing map after it recently hosted the qualifiers for the T20 World Cup 2021.&nbsp;

‘I just feel like punching him’: Shoaib Akhtar reignites rivalry by taunting Mohammad Kaif in LLC

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It will be concluded in Ahmedabad from February 27 to March 3

Ranchi retained as BGT trophy venue after JSCA secretary dismisses change report

Are Indian cricketers expected to accept medals from Mohsin Naqvi at the Asian Games? Here is what the OCA rules say.  

Naqvi presented the runners-up award to Sri Lanka before he abruptly left the stage

OCA rules state that medals are presented by the OCA President or a designated representative

Asian Games: Indian cricketers to accept medals from Mohsin Naqvi as per OCA?

Mohsin Naqvi, Asian Games 2026

BCCI has provided a big update on Ajit Agarkar’s future. The frontrunner has also been revealed if Agarkar decides to leave. Who might replace him? 

During the meeting, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed the development as he spoke to the media

Appointed in July 2023, Agarkar has overseen a mixed but largely successful period for the Indian team

BCCI updates on Ajit Agarkar’s future; frontrunner revealed if he opts to leave