Ambati Rayudu‘s energetic fielding played a crucial role in helping Konark Suryas Odisha achieve a thrilling two-run victory against Manipal Tigers in Match 1 of Legends League Cricket 2024 on Friday (September 20). The match took place at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur.
Going into the match, the Tigers decided they would start off bowling which was a good decision because at that time, Suryas were on shaky ground after losing three wickets within only a few overs played under powerplay rules. Even though he was their captain, Irfan Pathan (18) was unable to make any significant contributions as far as runs scored are concerned.
The duo who picked up two wickets each were Obus Pienaar and Anureet Singh that limited opposition scoring to 104/9. In reply, with another good showing from its bowlers the Suryas had the Tigers reduced to 21/5 by the end of ninth over.
This brought Asela Gunaratne (13) and Daniel Christian (30) into play but they managed to revive the innings. Heavy hitter Obus Pienaar seemed likely for making exactly 13 runs in the last over having already hit two sixes during his innings.
In an effort to make it easier for the Tigers, Anureet Singh hit a six after Irfan Pathan bowled a wide. However, after a single off the next ball, things took a turn for the worse for the batting side. Pienaar was not able to connect with the third ball, and he took a single off the fourth one. After Anureet took one from the fifth delivery, it meant that they needed three runs from that last shot.
Pathan offered them no pace on his length ball and Pienaar (34) skied it high in to air. With amazing dive near boundaries, Rayudu ran all way from deep square-leg to deep mid-wicket just in time catch it thereby ensuring a close victory for Suryas.
You can watch the video here:
https://x.com/fancode/status/1837194165551255725?s=46
India Capitals will face Toyam Hyderabad in Match 2 of Legends League Cricket 2024
On Saturday, in Jodhpur, India Capitals are set to face Toyam Hyderabad in the second match of the Legends League Cricket 2024. The Capitals will be captained by former England player Ian Bell, who will be supported by Dwayne Smith, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ravi Bopara and Colin de Grandhomme.
On the other hand, Suresh Raina will captain Hyderabad and in their team will be Stuart Binny and Isuru Udana. Left-arm pace bowler Udana shone on his last outing at the Lanka Premier League 2024.
It remains to be seen whether Hyderabad can provide a tough contest to the Caps, who appear very strong on paper.
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