By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Srinagar, India (16-10-2024): In a dramatic conclusion to the Legends League Cricket 2024, the Southern Superstars triumphed in a nail-biting finale, clinching the title after a thrilling super over victory against Konark Suryas Odisha at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, on Thursday.
Konark Suryas Odisha won the toss and elected to bowl first. Southern Superstars’ innings began with Shreevats Goswami and Martin Guptill opening the batting. However, an early blow came when Goswami was dismissed by Diwesh Pathania without scoring. Guptill then teamed up with Hamilton Masakadza, putting together a crucial 76-run partnership for the second wicket. Guptill was eventually dismissed for 27 off 25 balls, but Masakadza held firm. He found support from Pawan Negi, and the duo added 68 more runs for the third wicket. Masakadza top-scored with a brilliant 83 from 58 balls, while Negi contributed a valuable 33 off 24. Chaturanga de Silva chipped in with 9 from 8 balls as the Southern Superstars posted a competitive total of 164/6 in their 20 overs.
For Konark Suryas Odisha, Dilshan Munaweera was the standout bowler, taking an impressive 4/9 in his three overs. Diwesh Pathania (1/19) and Irfan Pathan (1/22) also contributed with a wicket each.
In reply, Konark Suryas Odisha’s chase got off to a mixed start. Openers Richard Levi and Dilshan Munaweera managed 16 and 11 runs, respectively, but failed to make a significant impact. Kevin O’Brien added 17 from 24 balls before the match took a thrilling turn, courtesy of Yusuf Pathan. Pathan played a heroic innings, smashing 85 from just 38 balls and single-handedly dragging his team to the brink of victory. With two runs needed from the last ball, Yusuf managed only a single before being run out, leaving the match tied at 164/9 after 20 overs.
For Southern Superstars, Hamid Hassan (2/28), Abdur Razzak (2/31), Chaturanga de Silva (2/19), and Pawan Negi (2/32) all contributed with two wickets apiece.
The match then proceeded to a super over. Konark Suryas Odisha batted first, with Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan managing 14 runs from six balls, including a six from Yusuf and a boundary from Richard Levi.
Chasing 15 to win, Southern Superstars sent Martin Guptill and Pawan Negi to the crease. Guptill immediately seized control, smashing two consecutive sixes off the first two balls. Although Diwesh Pathania struck back with Guptill’s wicket, Southern Superstars chased down the target in just five balls, securing their victory and the Legends League Cricket 2024 title.
It was a fitting end to a memorable final, with Southern Superstars emerging as champions in a contest that will be remembered for its high drama and standout performances.