By DEEPAK SHARMA
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
The third edition of the Legends League Cricket began on September 20, 2024, in Jodhpur, India. This league, which will run from September 20 to October 16, 2024, will feature 6 teams playing a total of 25 matches across various Indian cities such as Jodhpur, Surat, Jammu, and Srinagar.
The main attraction of this franchise-based league is the opportunity to once again watch retired international cricketers in action. This year, renowned cricketers like Shikhar Dhawan, Ian Bell, Dinesh Karthik, Chris Gayle, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Ross Taylor, Suresh Raina, Shaun Marsh, and Hashim Amla will be seen playing in the league.
“Legends League Cricket is excited to bring back the Boss Logon Ka Game to the stadiums where audiences will without a doubt be enthralled by the legends of the game that they have loved now for countless years. Looking forward once again to packed stadiums across all four venues, specially Srinagar as live international cricketing action will be back after 40 long years. LLC is excited for the unique opportunity it presents to the cricketers to experience the beauty of Kashmir and enjoy the hospitality and love of the wonderful people of Srinagar.” Said Mr. Raman Raheja, CEO, Legends League Cricket.
“Legends League Cricket has witnessed the highest level of competition, cricketing action and fair play across seasons in all the matches that have been played. As league commissioner, it is my job in this league is to ensure that the cricketing part of it is run properly and this season will be no different. There is pride attached to what we do and I am looking forward to another exciting season.” Said Mr. Ravi Shastri, League Commissioner, Legends League Cricket.
Konark Suryas Odisha achieved their maiden win in their opening match of the Legends League Cricket (LLC), defeating defending champions Manipal Tigers by 2 runs. The low-scoring match was dominated by bowlers from both sides, but in the end, the team from Odisha outclassed their opponents.
After winning the toss, Manipal Tigers’ skipper Harbhajan Singh elected to bowl first. Richard Levi and Ambati Rayudu opened the innings for Konark Suryas Odisha but suffered an early setback when Rayudu (8) was dismissed by Anureet Singh, leaving the score at 14/1 in 1.4 overs. Levi was then joined by Kevin O’Brien, but the team found themselves struggling at 28/3 in 3.3 overs. Levi contributed just 6 runs off 6 balls, while O’Brien managed 6 runs from 5 balls. Dilshan Munaweera (11) showed some intent but was stumped by Obus Pienaar at 32.
Skipper Irfan Pathan played a valiant knock of 18 from 23 balls before being clean-bowled by Harbhajan Singh. Yusuf Pathan (3) and Rajesh Bishnoi (3) also failed to make significant contributions. Ross Taylor added 14 from 28 balls. Towards the end, Navin Stewart’s 17 from 12 balls and Vinay Kumar’s unbeaten 11* from 5 balls helped Odisha post a total of 104/9 in their 20 overs.
For the Manipal Tigers, Obus Pienaar was the standout bowler, taking 2/10 in 4 overs, while Anureet Singh claimed 2/26 in his 4 overs. Harbhajan Singh, Sheldon Cottrell, and Rahul Shukla took one wicket each.
Chasing a target of 106, Manipal Tigers opened with Robin Uthappa and Solomon Mire. Shahbaz Nadeem struck early, dismissing Uthappa for a duck on the second ball of the innings. Mire was soon joined by Manoj Tiwary, but the Tigers quickly found themselves at 4/3 in 2.5 overs. Mire failed to score, and Tiwary managed just 2 runs from 9 balls before being dismissed by Ben Laughlin. Impact player Saurabh Tiwary added only 5 from 17 balls. Asela Gunaratne tried to steady the innings but was dismissed by Shahbaz Nadeem for 15 from 18 balls.
Daniel Christian and Obus Pienaar put together a crucial 49-run partnership for the 7th wicket, with Christian scoring 30 from 29 balls and Pienaar adding 34 from 24 balls. Despite their efforts, it wasn’t enough to chase down the target.
For Konark Suryas Odisha, Shahbaz Nadeem, Dilshan Munaweera, and Vinay Kumar were the standout bowlers, each taking two wickets. Ben Laughlin and Irfan Pathan chipped in with one wicket apiece.