Srinagar: Konark Suryas Odisha (KSO) had to win their final league fixture to progress to the playoff stage in the Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2024.
Not only did they win, Konark Suryas crushed Gujarat Giants by 5 wickets with as many as 5 overs to spare, significantly boosting their net run-rate (NRR) which helped them finish in second place.
After Gujarat Giants posted 141/8 in 20 overs, KSO raced to 145/3 in in just 15 overs, thanks to quickfire knocks by Kevin O’Brien (43 not out off 26 balls) and Dilshan Munaweera (47 off 38).
Skipper Irfan Pathan provided the push at the end, smacking 3 sixes to remain unbeaten on 19 off 6 balls.
They finished tied on points (8 each) with India Capitals, but KSO achieved a better NRR of +0.025 (compared to IC’s +0.004).
Konark Suryas Odisha will face league toppers Southern Superstars in Qualifier 1 on October 12 at the same venue, Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium.
The winner will progress to the final, while the loser will have another chance – against the winners of the No. 3 (India Capitals) versus No. 4 (Toyam Hyderabad) teams.
KSO did well to keep IC under check after opting to bowl first.
India Capitals looked to be on course for a big total at 62/1 at the end of 10 overs, with Shikhar Dhawan and Chris Gayle in good nick.
But then Kevon Cooper turned the game on its head by capturing four wickets in an over, including a hat-trick.
He sent back Gayle for 34, Mohammed Kaif (0), Yashpal Singh (0) and Dhawan (23) in the 11th over. India Capitals collapsed to 83/7, before Seekkuge Prasanna (31) and Debabrata Das (25) guided them to 141/8.
KSO batters then showed the urgency to overhaul the target quickly enough for a second-place finish.
BRIEF SCORES
Gujarat Giants 141/8 in 20 overs (Chris Gayle 34, Seekkuge Prasanna 31; Kevon Cooper 4/25).
Konark Suryas Odisha 145/3 in 15 overs (Dilshan Munaweera 47, Kevin O’Brien 43 not out).
Result: Konark Suryas Odisha won by 5 wkts.
Legend of the Match: K Cooper.
PLAYOFF FIXTURES
Qualifier 1, Oct 12 — Konark Suryas Odisha vs Southern Super Stars (Srinagar, 3 pm).
Eliminator, Oct 13 – India Capitals vs Toyam Hyderabad (Srinagar, 3 pm).
Qualifier 2, Oct 14 – Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator (Srinagar, 7 pm).
Final, Oct 16 – Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 (Srinagar, 7 pm).
