By Deepak Sharma
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Jammu, India (06-10-2024): A brilliant all-round performance from Dilshan Munaweera was eclipsed by a top-class knock from Gurkeerat Singh Mann, as he guided Toyam Hyderabad to a 4-wicket victory over Konark Suryas Odisha in the Legends League Cricket 2024 at Molana Azad Stadium, Jammu, on Sunday.
After being asked to bat first, Konark Suryas Odisha’s opening pair of Richard Levi and Jesse Ryder struggled to build momentum. Levi fell for just 1 from 3 deliveries, dismissed by Bipul Sharma. Ryder and Kevin O’Brien briefly steadied the innings, adding 19 runs for the second wicket, but O’Brien could only contribute 5 from 9 balls. Ryder, too, had a quiet outing, scoring 11 from 15 balls. The highlight of the innings came from Munaweera, who stood as the lone warrior, scoring a patient 51 from 51 deliveries. Contributions from Irfan Pathan (7 from 9) and Yusuf Pathan (7 from 18) were modest, as Konark Suryas Odisha struggled to 100/9 in their 20 overs.
Toyam Hyderabad’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Bipul Sharma (2/23) and Ravi Jangid (2/15) were the pick of the bowlers, while Nuwan Pradeep (1/21), Monty Panesar (1/13), Shivakant Shukla (1/10), and Stuart Binny (1/6) each took a wicket to restrict the opposition.
Chasing a modest target of 101, Toyam Hyderabad got off to a solid start with Chadwick Walton and George Worker at the crease. However, Walton fell for 8 with the score at 21, courtesy of Munaweera’s bowling. Worker managed 12 from 12 balls, but the innings was anchored by captain Gurkeerat Singh Mann. His unbeaten 52* from 50 deliveries ensured Toyam Hyderabad reached the target with ease. Bipul Sharma added an unbeaten 7 from 6 balls to finish off the chase.
Munaweera’s efforts with the ball (3/26 in 4 overs) kept Konark Suryas in the game, while Shahbaz Nadeem (1/12) and Pravin Tambe (1/20) each picked up a wicket, but it wasn’t enough to prevent defeat.
With this win, Toyam Hyderabad secured their second victory in the tournament.
