Jammu: Konark Suryas Odisha KSO), who had started their campaign in the Legends League Cricket 2024 with a 2-run win over defending champions Manipal Tigers two weeks ago, pulled off another thrilling victory on Friday.
Playing their first match at Jammu’s Maulana Azad Stadium, Konark Suryas Odisha edged out India Capitals by 5 runs to post their second win. With two of their matches being washed out and having lost to table-toppers Southern Super Stars, KSO returned to second spot with 6 points from 5 games and are on course for a playoff berth.
KSO’s remaining league fixtures are against Urbanrisers Hyderabad at Jammu on October 6 and Gujarat Giants at Srinagar on October 11.
Asked to bat first by India Capitals, KSO lost hard-hitting openers Richard Levi (1) and Jesse Ryder (3) early. It was Irish allrounder Kevin O’Brien (55 not out) and Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Munaweera (33) who revived the innings with a 77-run collaboration.
Yusuf Pathan made 12 off 13 balls as KSO posted 127/4 in 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla was India Capitals’ best bowler with a haul of took 3/16 in 4 overs.
On a pitch aiding bowlers, India Capitals batters found it tough to negotiate the KSO attack. Only 41-year-old Karnataka batter Bharat Chipli showed resistance, remaining unbeaten on 61 off 48 balls, 3 fours and 5 sixes.
KSO dismissed as many as nine India Capitals batsmen for single-digit scores to restrict the opposition to 122/7. Diwesh Pathania, Kevon Cooper, Shahbaz Nadeem, Pravin Tambe, KP Appanna and Yusuf took a wicket each.
Brief Scores
Konark Suryas Odisha 127/4 in 20 overs (Kevin O’Brien 55*, Dilshan Munaweera 33; Iqbal Abdulla 3/16).
India Capitals 122/7 in 20 overs (Bharat Chipli 61*).
Konark Suryas Odisha won by 5 runs.
KSO’s next match – Vs Urbanrisers Hyderabad (Jammu, October 6).
