Jodhpur: Konark Suryas Odisha celebrated their first-ever victory in Legends League Cricket, clinching a thrilling win against defending champions Manipal Tigers by just 2 runs at Barkatullah Stadium here on Friday evening.
Although it was a low-scoring affair, both teams showcased strong bowling performances. Ultimately, it was Konark Suryas Odisha which emerged victorious, demonstrating their skills and determination on the field.
After losing the toss and being put to bat, Richard Levi and Ambati Rayudu opened for Konark Suryas Odisha. They struggled early, with Rayudu dismissed for 8 runs, leaving the team at 28/3 in 3.3 overs. Levi scored 6 runs, and Kevin O’Brien added 6 from 5 balls. Dilshan Munaweera managed 11 runs before being stumped. Skipper Irfan Pathan contributed 18 runs, while Yusuf Pathan and Rajesh Bishnoi each scored 3 each. Ross Taylor added 14 runs, and towards the end, Navin Stewart scored 17, with Vinay Kumar unbeaten on 11*.
Odisha finished at 104/9 after 20 overs.
For Manipal Tigers, Obus Pienaar was the pick of the bowlers taking 2/10 in 4 overs. Anureet Singh took 2/26 in 4 overs. Skipper Harbhajan Singh, Sheldon Cottrell, Rahul Shukla took one wicket each in the innings.
Chasing a target of 106, Manipal Tigers struggled, losing early wickets, including Robin Uthappa for a duck. They were down to 4/3 in 2.5 overs. Manoj Tiwary scored 2 runs before being dismissed, and Saurabh Tiwary added just 5 runs.
Asela Gunaratne managed 15 runs, while Daniel Christian (30) and Obus Pienaar (34) added 49 runs for the 7th wicket, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory.
For Konark Suryas Odisha, Shabhaz Nadeem, Dilshan Munaweera and Vinay Kumar were the pick of the bowlers as they took two wickets apiece. Ben Laughlin and Irfan Pathan picked one wicket each.
Legend of the Match: Vinay Kumar
Game Changer of the Match: Navin Stewart