By Deepak Sharma
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Jammu, India (04-10-2024): In a closely contested match, powered by a solid knock from Kevin O’Brien and clinical bowling performances, Konark Suryas Odisha secured their second win in the Legends League Cricket 2024 (LLC) by defeating India Capitals by 5 runs at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu on Friday.
After losing the toss and being put in to bat first, Richard Levi and Jesse Ryder opened the innings for Konark Suryas Odisha. However, they stumbled early, reduced to 12/2 in 3.3 overs. Levi scored just 1 from 3 balls, while Ryder added 3 from 10 balls. Kevin O’Brien and Dilshan Munaweera then steadied the innings, putting on a 77-run partnership for the third wicket. Munaweera was eventually dismissed for 33 from 44 balls by Iqbal Abdulla. O’Brien remained unbeaten with a composed 55* from 46 balls, while Yusuf Pathan contributed 12 from 13 balls. Konark Suryas Odisha managed to post a total of 127/4 in their 20 overs.
For India Capitals, Iqbal Abdulla was the standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 3/16 in 4 overs. Dhawal Kulkarni also chipped in with 1/22 from his 4 overs.
In reply, India Capitals faced a tough chase with Dwayne Smith and Faiz Fazal opening the innings. They too struggled early, losing two quick wickets with just 12 runs on the board. Skipper Ian Bell could only add 10 from 13 balls. Bharat Chipli stood out with a gritty innings, remaining unbeaten on 61* from 48 balls, but lacked support from the other end. India Capitals could only manage 122/7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 5 runs.
For Konark Suryas Odisha, the bowling was a collective effort, with Diwesh Pathania (1/22), Kevon Cooper (1/12), Shahbaz Nadeem (1/18), Pravin Tambe (1/29), KP Appanna (1/11), and Yusuf Pathan (1/4) each picking up a wicket.
