Yusuf Pathan, the former Indian all-rounder, who once terrorized bowlers on the international stage, continues to exhibit his power-hitting prowess, even in the Legends League Cricket (LLC). The 41-year-old showcased a vintage performance in the LLC final, playing a thunderous knock of 85 runs off just 38 balls. His innings, which featured 9 towering sixes, almost single-handedly brought his team, Konark Surya Odisha, to the doorstep of victory. However, the match took a dramatic turn, with Southern Super Stars emerging as champions in a nail-biting super-over finish.
A Thrilling Chase Led by Yusuf Pathan
The final, played at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, saw Konark Surya Odisha chasing a modest target of 165 set by Southern Super Stars. Konark’s batting lineup struggled from the start, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The team was reeling at 91 for 6 in 14.1 overs, and victory seemed like a distant dream.
But when Yusuf Pathan walked in, the entire complexion of the game changed. Known for his explosive batting style, Pathan brought back memories of his prime, smashing the bowlers to all parts of the ground. In the 16th over, Pathan hammered Subodh Bhati for 24 runs, including two massive sixes and two boundaries.
Yusuf’s Stunning Blitz in the Last Overs
With the team needing 35 runs off the last two overs, Pathan took charge once again. He unleashed an assault on spinner Pawan Negi in the 19th over, hitting four sixes and a boundary, with three consecutive sixes off the last three balls. His aggressive display added 28 runs from that over, bringing the team within touching distance of victory.
With only 7 runs required in the final over, it looked like Pathan would lead his team to an improbable win. However, Southern Super Stars’ bowler Chaturanga de Silva kept his nerve, conceding only singles. On the last ball, with 2 runs needed for victory, Pathan could manage just 1 run before being run out while attempting the second, leading to a tie.
Heartbreak in the Super Over
The match then moved to a super over, and once again, Pathan was in the spotlight. He smashed a six in the super over, adding to his total of 9 sixes in the match. However, his dismissal limited his team to 13 runs in the super over. In reply, Southern Super Stars’ opener Martin Guptill wasted no time, hitting two consecutive sixes in the first two balls of the super over, ultimately sealing the title for his team with a boundary on the fifth ball.
Yusuf Pathan’s Heroics Unrewarded
Yusuf Pathan’s valiant effort of 85 runs from 38 balls, including 6 boundaries and 9 sixes, will be remembered as one of the most thrilling knocks in LLC history. Despite his heroic effort, the title slipped through his team’s grasp in a high-stakes, last-ball drama. Southern Super Stars lifted their first Legends League Cricket trophy, but Pathan’s power-hitting left fans in awe, reminding everyone of his unmatched ability to take on any bowling attack.
The Legends League Cricket final will go down as one of the most exciting matches, with Yusuf Pathan’s knock being the highlight, even in defeat. His aggressive innings and fight till the very last ball made the game a true spectacle.
