Pallekele (Sri Lanka), March 11 (IANS). On Monday, New York Superstar Strikers and Kandy Samp Army won their respective Legends Cricket Trophy (LCT) 2024 matches at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy after a relentless run-fest. The New York Superstar Strikers defeated the Delhi Devils in the first game, while the Kandy Samp Army beat the Colombo Lions in the second.
In the first game, New York Superstar Strikers defeated Delhi Devils by a stunning 50 runs. Batting first, the New York Superstar Strikers greatly benefited from the services of Lahiru Thirimanne.
The experienced campaigner stole the show by unleashing a batting masterclass against the Delhi Devils and steering the New York Superstar Strikers into a comfortable position. When the former Sri Lankan cricketer got off to a good start, he showed signs of having a bit between his teeth. He gained confidence quickly and went about his business with ease.
He set his sights on scoring a big hit, and there was no stopping him. The left-hander scored runs at a breakneck pace, finishing with a blistering 90 off 39 balls, 11 fours, and 5 hits over the fence at a 230.77 strike rate.
As the team’s lone warrior, Lahiru received no support from the other batters. His outstanding innings propelled the New York Superstar Strikers to their highest team total (185/6 in 90 balls) in LCT 2024.
On the contrary, while Delhi Devils bowlers Anureet Singh and Ishan Malhotra each took two wickets, Lahiru Thirimanne had already done his damage.
In response, the Delhi Devils had their work cut out for them in the run chase, but they ran out of ammunition, only managing 135/5 in 90 balls.
Skipper Suresh Raina entertained the fans with an unbeaten 50 off 35, but it wasn’t enough to propel the team over the finish line, as the New York Superstar Strikers won their second game in a row. Isuru Udana was New York’s best bowler, taking 3/24 in his four overs.
In their second game, the Kandy Samp Army defeated the Colombo Lions. Kandy Samp Army lost to Rajasthan Kings in their first game, but their tenacious performance against Colombo was more than enough to secure their first victory. However, the Colombo Lions have suffered back-to-back defeats this season. They had previously surrendered to the Dubai Giants before being defeated by the Kandy Samp Army.
Batting first, Kandy Samp Army scored a competitive 141 for losing six wickets in their allotted 15 overs. Kandy Samp Army sought assistance from Irfan Pathan (30), Upul Tharanga (28), and Kevin O’Brien (27), who each contributed modestly, allowing the team to reach a respectable total. Among the players, Irfan Pathan threatened the opposition, scoring 30 off 14 balls with one four and three sixes at a strike rate of 214.29.
Mohammad Irfan did his best to keep the runs at bay, taking three wickets and conceding 33 runs in three overs.
In response, the Colombo Lions had the big guns to do the job, but Chris Gayle (22), Jesse Ryder (6), and Ross Taylor (20) were unable to fire when it counted.
Ben Dunk led the way with 46 runs off 22 balls, including five fours and three sixes. From having the game in their hands at 59/1 to losing by a large margin, Colombo appeared to be a team that couldn’t recover from Ben Dunk’s wicket loss.
Kandy Samp Army’s bowler Mpofu kept the opposition at bay, accounting for three dismissals. His impressive spell helped the team restrict the opposition to 119 runs, and Kandy Samp Army won by 22 runs.
Brief Scores:
New York Superstar Strikers 185/6 in 90 balls (Lahiru Thirimanne 90; Isuru Udana 3-34) beat Delhi Devils 135/5 in 90 balls (Suresh Raina – 50; Anureet Singh 2-42) by 50runs.
Kandy Samp Army 141/6 in 90 balls (Irfan Pathan 30; Mpofu 3-34) beat Colombo Lions 119/6 in 90 balls (Ben Dunk 46; Mohammad Irfan 3-33) by 22 runs.
