[WATCH] Ambati Rayudu plucks a stunning catch to help Konark Suryas Odisha win a thriller in Legends League Cricket 2024
Ambati Rayudu's spirited fielding effort helped Konark Suryas Odisha secure a thrilling two-run victory over Manipal Tigers in Match 1 of Legends League Cricket 2024 on Friday (September 20). The Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur hosted this exciting encounter.
The Tigers' decision to bowl first went in their favor as the Suryas were in trouble after losing three wickets inside the powerplay overs. Their innings never got going, with skipper Irfan Pathan (18) ending as the top-scorer. Obus Pienaar and Anureet Singh picked two wickets apiece, helping restrict the opposition to 104/9.
In response, the Tigers were reduced to 21/5 in the ninth over, owing to the brilliance of the Suryas bowling unit. Asela Gunaratne (13) and Daniel Christian (30) brought the team back on track. Obus Pienaar looked set to score the required 13 runs off the final over, having already slammed two maximums in his innings.
After Irfan Pathan bowled a wide, Anureet Singh slammed a six to make things simpler for the Tigers. However, after a single off the following ball, things took a turn for the batting side. Pienaar couldn't connect with the third ball, while he took a single off the fourth. After Anureet took a single off the fifth delivery, the Tigers needed three off the final ball.
Pathan offered no pace to his length ball, and Pienaar (34) skied the ball high in the air. Rayudu ran from the deep square-leg to deep mid-wicket to take a sensational diving catch near the fences to secure a close victory for the Suryas.
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India Capitals to take on Toyam Hyderabad in Match 2 of Legends League Cricket 2024
In the second game of the Legends League Cricket 2024, India Capitals will take on Toyam Hyderabad in Jodhpur on Saturday. Former England batter Ian Bell will lead the Capitals, who boast the likes of Dwayne Smith, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ravi Bopara and Colin de Grandhomme.
On the other hand, Hyderabad will be led by Suresh Raina and have Stuart Binny and Isuru Udana in their ranks. Left-arm pacer Udana impressed in his recent appearance in Lanka Premier League 2024.
It will be interesting to see if the Hyderabad side can pose a strong challenge to the Capitals, who look strong on-paper.