Deepak Sharma
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Jodhpur, India, 21-09-2024: In a nail-biting encounter, Ian Bell’s India Capitals held their nerves to secure a narrow 1-run victory against Toyam Hyderabad in the Legends League Cricket 2024 season opener.
After winning the toss, India Capitals’ skipper Ian Bell opted to bat first. Dwayne Smith and Naman Ojha opened the innings but faced an early blow when Smith was dismissed for 14 off 9 balls. Ojha was then joined by Bell in the middle, and the pair added 32 runs for the second wicket before Ojha was dismissed by Bipul Sharma with the score at 47. Bell (7) and Bharat Chipli (9) followed soon after, both failing to make significant contributions.
However, Ben Dunk steadied the innings with a crucial knock of 60 from 35 balls. Dunk, in partnership with Ashley Nurse, added 57 runs for the fifth wicket. Nurse chipped in with a valuable 30 off 19 balls. In the final overs, Colin de Grandhomme played a blistering cameo, remaining unbeaten on 31* off just 12 balls, helping India Capitals post a competitive total of 185/6 in their 20 overs.
For Toyam Hyderabad, Samiullah Shinwari was the standout bowler, claiming 2/27 in his 3 overs. Nuwan Pradeep, Bipul Sharma, and Stuart Binny each took one wicket.
Chasing 186, Toyam Hyderabad’s openers Chadwick Walton and George Worker got off to a solid start, putting together 41 runs for the first wicket before Walton was dismissed for 18 by Christopher Mpofu. Rikki Clarke could only manage 8 off 4 balls before falling early. Worker anchored the chase with a well-compiled 52 off 43 balls, while Gurkeerat Singh Mann contributed 28 off 20 balls.
Skipper Suresh Raina had a rare off day, scoring just 4 from 6 deliveries. Peter Trego, however, gave Toyam Hyderabad hope with a quick fire 37* off 18 balls, while Stuart Binny added a handy 11 off 5 balls. Despite their efforts, Toyam Hyderabad fell agonizingly short, finishing one run behind India Capitals.
For India Capitals, Rahul Sharma (2/21) and Dhawal Kulkarni (2/40) led the bowling attack effectively, while Pawal Suyal and Christopher Mpofu chipped in with one wicket each.