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.
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.
Anderson's superb batting display
After 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.
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.
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.
Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Kulasekara was the best bowler of the Lions side after he bagged 3 wickets.
Reaching the target
In 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.
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.
South African all-rounder Albie Morkel picked up three wickets and Anderson was considered as the Man of the Match.
