Vinay Nayudu
Doha
Having won heck of a game against India Maharajas by two runs in the second match of the ongoing Legends League Cricket (LLC) Masters, the World Giants will take on Asia Lions in their next match at the Asian Town International Stadium on Monday.
With captain Aaron Finch and Shane Watson coming to the party with blazing fifties and later defending a total of 167 they rode on the bowling of Brett Lee, Tino Best and most importantly Ricardo Powell, who not only picked up two wickets, but took a catch which was the turning point of the match.
Interestingly, Powell was played as the “Impact Player”. Which means that he was nominated from outside the playing XI and before 14 overs of the innings.
The umpires didn’t allow Powell to bat after Giants lost Kevin O’Brien in 15.1 over, according to the rules but Powell showed his class with the ball and also in the field.
Speaking of his team’s victory, the team’s coach and former India player Lalchand Rajput said, “Our impact player did wonders for us. But on a srious note, we should have got 180-200 batting first given our good start. The Maharajas also bowled well and with Harbhajan Singh getting into the groove with his bowling, we lost wickets.
“But still our players batted very well getting to 167 from 140 in the end overs.”
On playing Asia Lions, Rajput said, “They also have legends in their team and all these players have built their reputation with great play so they won’t take anything lightly. We also won’t give away anything. So the matches will continue to be competitive no matter the camaraderie shown.
“It will be a balanced game. They have won the first game and we have also won our opening match. So it will be on an even keel.”
While the pitch is playing true, Rajput said it still wasn’t easy to hit sixes. “The turn and bounce is there but the stadium is still not a small one and players really have to hit it hard to clear the ropes.”
For the fans though the excitement will continue. Asia Lions have a big local support with stars like Shahid Afridi, Misbah Ul Haq and Shoaib Akhtar in the ranks.
While World Giants won the inaugural edition in Muscat in January 2022, Asia Lions would look to make their mark this time with India Maharajas still smarting for their defeats and aiming to make a comeback.
