By Deepak Sharma
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Jodhpur, India, 26-09-2024: Southern Superstars continued their dominance in the Legends League Cricket 2024 (LLC) by securing their third consecutive win, maintaining an unbeaten run after an 8-wicket victory over Gujarat Greats at the Barkatullah Stadium, Jodhpur.
After winning the toss, Gujarat Greats opted to bat first. Openers Morne van Wyk and captain Shikhar Dhawan started the innings, but Gujarat quickly found themselves struggling at 29/2 in 4.4 overs, with van Wyk (9) and Lendl Simmons (8) departing early. Dhawan, leading from the front, emerged as the top scorer for his side, contributing 38 runs off 43 balls. Mohammad Kaif added a modest 10 from 15 balls, while Asghar Afghan’s late cameo of 18 from 17 balls provided some stability, allowing Gujarat Greats to post a total of 123/7 in their 20 overs. No other batter managed to reach double figures.
For Southern Superstars, Subodh Bhati stood out with the ball, claiming 2 wickets for 24 runs in his 3 overs. Hamid Hassan, Abdur Razzak, Pawan Negi, and Jesal Karia chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Chasing a target of 124, Southern Superstars’ innings got off to a cautious start. Martin Guptill (14) fell early to Manan Sharma with the score at 15, but Shreevats Goswami and Hamilton Masakadza steadied the ship. The pair put on a crucial 71-run partnership for the second wicket. Masakadza played a brisk knock of 41 from 27 balls before being dismissed. Goswami anchored the chase with an unbeaten 48* off 38 balls, while Pawan Negi contributed a steady 19* from 15 balls to see the Superstars home with ease.
For Gujarat Greats, Manan Sharma (1/36) and Samar Quadri (1/18) were the only bowlers to pick up wickets.