Legends Cricket League – 2023
2023.12.10
Manipal Tigers registered victory in the final of LLC 2023 by defeating Urbanrisers Hyderabad.
It was the first titular victory for the Tigers.
On Saturday (December 9), the Manipal Tigers won the second edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) after defeating Urbanrisers Hyderabad by five wickets with six balls to spare in Surat.
Captain Harbhajan Singh demonstrated tactical acumen by electing to bowl first after winning the toss. With Mitchell McClenaghan and Pankaj Singh removing Dwayne Smith and Martin Guptill, Urbanrisers were struggling at 36/2. However, Rikki Clarke (80*) and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (64), who formed a century combination, engineered a spectacular return. Down the order, a fast contribution from Peter Trego drove Urbanrisers to a competitive total of 187/5 in 20 overs.
Manipal Tigers respond to Asela Gunaratne’s heroics.
In the chase, Asela Gunaratne’s unbroken 51 off 29 deliveries, which included five sixes, was crucial for the Tigers. Gunaratne formed key partnerships with Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera, enabling the Tigers to comeback after losing three fast wickets.
Colin de Grandhomme’s decisive six seals the deal for the Tigers
Former New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme emerged as the hero for the Tigers in the end, finishing the victory with a match-winning six off his first delivery. Harbhajan’s team successfully chased down the 188-run target set by Urbanrisers, securing their maiden LLC championship with an entire over to spare.
