In a nail-biting Qualifier 2 of the Legends League Cricket 2024, Konark Suryas secured their place in the final with a thrilling one-run victory over Toyam Hyderabad at the Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the summit clash.
A slow start for Konark Suryas Odisha and Irfan Pathan’s masterclass
Suryas’ batting innings began on a shaky note, with openers Richard Levi and Dilshan Munaweera falling cheaply. Kevin O’Brien provided a much-needed boost with a well-played 50, but Navin Stewart and Yusuf Pathan failed to capitalize on his efforts. However, the innings took a dramatic turn when former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan stepped up to the crease.
Pathan’s knock was a masterclass of calculated aggression. He played a brilliant innings of 49 runs from 35 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes. His innings helped Suryas post a respectable total of 156 runs in the first innings.
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Here’s the video:
Captain Pathan to the rescue, again!🫡
The southpaw continued his terrific form in the tournament to take Konark Suryas Odisha to 156 with an unbeaten 49.#LLCT20onFanCode pic.twitter.com/0E72U6D8p5
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 14, 2024
Toyam Hyderabad’s blistering start to the chase
Hyderabad’s chase started promisingly, with Chadwick Walton and George Worker getting off to a decent start. Peter Trego made a valuable contribution, but it was Rikki Clarke who played a crucial knock of 67 runs. With Hyderabad needing 12 runs from the final over, the match was poised for a thrilling finish.
Irfan’s final over takes Konark Suryas over the finish line
Enters Pathan once again. The former India all-rounder, who had already played a key role with the bat, now had the opportunity to seal the victory for Suryas. With the pressure mounting after getting hit for a six on the fourth ball and defending just 3 runs in 3 balls, Pathan delivered a stunning final over, conceding just 11 runs at the end of the final ball and securing a one-run win for his team.
Here’s the video:
Irfan ‘Jalwa’ Pathan strikes again!🔥
After scoring 49* with the bat, the captain conjured up a miraculous heist with the ball in the last over to take his team to the Final. 🤌🏼#LLCT20onFanCode pic.twitter.com/CCx02pvkdP
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 14, 2024
Thanks to Pathan’s heroics, Konark Suryas advanced to the final of the Legends League Cricket 2024. They will now face Southern Super Stars in the title clash at the Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, on Wednesday, October 16. The final promises to be an exciting contest between two talented teams.