Jammu: In a thrilling encounter at the Maulana Azad Stadium, the Manipal Tigers defeated TOYAM Hyderabad in a Super Over to secure their first win in the 2024 Legends League Cricket. After both teams finished on 144/7 in 20 overs, Manipal Tigers claimed victory by scoring 9 runs in just 3 balls in the Super Over, while Hyderabad managed only 4 runs.
Batting first, the Manipal Tigers faced a challenging start. After winning the toss, openers Phil Mustard and Manoj Tiwary could not build a strong partnership. Tiwary, scoring only 9 runs, was dismissed early by Isuru Udana. The Tigers’ top order struggled, reaching 38/3 in 6 overs. With wickets tumbling, Angelo Perera attempted to stabilize the innings, scoring 18 runs before being bowled out by Nuwan Pradeep.
Thisara Perera Leads the Tigers to 144 with a Brave Knock
It was Thisara Perera’s impressive unbeaten 48* off 27 balls that helped the Manipal Tigers post a competitive total of 144/7. Perera’s late surge provided much-needed runs, as no other batsman managed to reach double figures. Despite a tight bowling attack from TOYAM Hyderabad, with Bipul Sharma (2/20) and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (2/24) leading the charge, Perera’s powerful innings stood out.
In response, TOYAM Hyderabad got off to a shaky start as Rahul Shukla took the wicket of Chadwick Walton (15) at 19 runs. George Worker and Shaun Marsh managed to build a brief partnership, with Marsh contributing a solid 38 off 35 balls. Captain Gurkeerat Singh Mann added 37 runs, but the team failed to finish strongly, leaving the scores level at 144/7 after 20 overs.
Super Over Drama: Manipal Tigers Outplay TOYAM Hyderabad
The match proceeded into a Super Over, with TOYAM Hyderabad batting first. They could only manage 4 runs, losing two wickets to a brilliant over from Manipal Tigers’ Asela Gunaratne. Stuart Binny (0) was dismissed by Gunaratne, while Shaun Marsh was run out on the last ball, leaving Chadwick Walton as the only batter to score with 3 runs off 2 balls.
Chasing a modest target of 5 runs, Thisara Perera and Daniel Christian stepped in for the Manipal Tigers. They made short work of the target, as Christian smashed a six on his first ball, sealing the victory in just 3 balls. This stunning performance not only gave the Manipal Tigers their first win of the season but also showcased the thrilling potential of the Legends League Cricket.
Match Highlights:
- Manipal Tigers’ Thisara Perera remained unbeaten on 48* off 27 balls.
- Bipul Sharma and Gurkeerat Singh Mann led TOYAM Hyderabad’s bowling with two wickets each.
- Shaun Marsh scored 38 runs for TOYAM Hyderabad, but they fell short in the Super Over.
- Asela Gunaratne’s Super Over brilliance restricted Hyderabad to 4/2.
- Daniel Christian’s six secured the Super Over win for Manipal Tigers.
