Bhubaneswar: In a gripping finale, the Southern Superstars clinched the title of Legends League Cricket 2024, overcoming the Konark Suryas Odisha in a nail-biting super over at the Bakshi Stadium on Thursday.
After winning the toss, Konark Suryas Odisha chose to bowl first. The Southern Superstars opened their innings with Shreevats Goswami and Martin Guptill. However, the Superstars faced an early setback when Goswami was dismissed for a duck by Diwesh Pathania.
Guptill then partnered with Hamilton Masakadza, and the duo put together a solid 76-run stand for the second wicket. Guptill scored 27 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed. Masakadza continued to impress, scoring a brilliant 83 runs from 58 balls, while Pawan Negi contributed with 33 runs off 24 balls. The Superstars finished their innings with a total of 164 for 6 in 20 overs.
On the bowling front for Konark Suryas Odisha, Dilshan Munaweera stood out, taking 4 wickets for just 9 runs in 3 overs.
Chasing a target of 165, Richard Levi and Dilshan Munaweera opened for Konark Suryas Odisha. Munaweera managed 11 runs off 9 balls, while Levi added 16 runs from 11 balls. Kevin O'Brien's contribution was limited to 17 runs off 24 balls, but it was Yusuf Pathan who stole the show. He scored a magnificent 85 runs off just 38 balls, bringing his team to the brink of victory. With two runs needed from the final ball, Yusuf could only manage a single before getting run out, leaving the team at 164 for 9.
For the Southern Superstars, Hamid Hassan, Abdur Razzak, Chaturanga de Silva, and Pawan Negi each took two wickets, showcasing a balanced bowling attack.
With the match tied, it proceeded to a super over. Konark Suryas Odisha batted first, with Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan at the crease. They managed to score 14 runs off their six balls, which included a six from Yusuf and a boundary from Richard Levi. In response, the Southern Superstars sent out Martin Guptill and Pawan Negi. Guptill wasted no time, hitting two sixes off the first two balls. Although Diwesh Pathania took Guptill's wicket shortly after, the Superstars chased down the target in just 5 balls, sealing their championship victory.
With this thrilling win, the Southern Superstars have etched their name in the history of Legends League Cricket, celebrating a hard-fought triumph in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.