DOHA: Openers Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan’s magnificent half-centuries in the run chase helped Shahid Afridi-led Asia Lions to down World Giants and win the Legends League Cricket Masters 2023.
Set to chase 148, the Lions eased through to victory for the loss of just three wickets and 23 balls to spare, thanks to a solid foundation laid by their Sri Lankan opening pair.
The opening duo frustrated Giants’ bowlers with a firm partnership as they raised 115 runs inside the first 10 overs before Brett Lee finally got the breakthrough as he castled Tharanga.
Tharanga scored a brisk 57 off just 28 deliveries, laced up with five boundaries and three sixes.
Meanwhile, Dilshan continued his domination and soon brought up his half-century amid a brief partnership with Mohammad Hafeez. They put on 17 runs before Samit Patel put an end to Dilshan’s astonishing knock.
The right-handed opener top-scored for the Lions in the run chase with a 42-ball 58 which featured eight boundaries.
The Lions then lost another wicket in the next over when all-rounder Abdul Razzaq perished after scoring three off six.
However, Lions’ mainstay Misbah-ul-Haq joined Hafeez in the middle and made sure their side amassed the total with no further damage. Hafeez and Misbah remained unbeaten for nine runs each.
For the Giants, Lee, Patel and Monty Panesar made one scalp each.
Opting to bat first, the Giants could accumulate 147/4 in 20 overs despite Jacques Kallis’ anchoring 78.
The Giants had a dismal start to their innings as the side lost three wickets for just 19 runs inside the first powerplay with Lendl Simmons (17), Morne van Wyk (0) and Shane Watson (0) perishing cheaply.
Following the slump, Ross Taylor joined Kallis to anchor the innings with a gritty partnership for the fourth wicket.
The pair added 92 runs amid their stand but remained a touch slow as they conceded 68 deliveries before Thisara Perera castled Taylor, who could score 32 off 33.
Kallis, on the other hand, carried his bat all the way through and guided the Giants to 147/4 as he received no support from the other end.
The all-rounder top-scored for the Giants with 78 off 54 deliveries with the help of five boundaries and three sixes.
Razzak led the bowling attack for the Lions with two wickets while Perera made one scalp.
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