Jodhpur: Skipper Irfan Pathan was all praise for his bowlers after Konark Suryas Odisha pulled off a thrilling 2-run win in the opening game of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) at Barkatullah Stadium here on Friday evening.
Konark Suryas, making their debut in the tournament, managed to put up a modest 104/9 in 20 overs. But a fine effort in the field helped them stop defending champions Manipal Tigers at 102/8.
The former Team India allrounder later told mediapersons how he motivated the players in defending a low total.
“During the innings break, I told my team that the pitch was on the slower side, so we need to try and take wickets in the powerplay. A poor new-ball spell could have ended the game in the powerplay itself,” Irfan shared.
The fact that the bowlers did not concede a single boundary for 13 overs was also highlighted by the captain.
Irfan, who hadn’t bowled in the Manipal Tigers innings, took the ball himself in the crucial final over with the rivals needing 13 runs.
The move paid rich dividends, as he conceded 10 runs and took a wicket to hand his team a last-ball victory.
“I didn’t have any other option apart from Dilshan Munaweera. I mostly tried to bowl cutters except one quick ball. I let the batters take chances to find the boundaries,” Irfan said.
He acknowledged an important input from Vinay Kumar, who earlier scored some crucial runs and took 2 wickets.
“Thanks to Vinay Kumar for pointing out before the last ball that Ben Laughlin was tired due to jetlag and hence, I swapped him with Ambati Rayudu at the ropes. I will also praise our bowlers for not conceding a single boundary for 13 overs.”
Irfan admitted it’s difficult for retired players to take the field and perform as per their supporters’ expectations.
“We’re now part-time cricketers and it’s hard to get back into rhythm. Still it was a great game for us in the end.”
Konark Suryas Odisha’s next match will also be against Manipal Tigers, on September 26, at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat.