Ambati Rayudu Stunning Catch: The Legends League Cricket 2024 is off to a spectacular start as the opening fixture of Konark Suryas Odisha Vs Manipal Tigers produced one of the most memorable matches of all-time, with Irfan Pathan’s side scripting a thrilling two-run win against Harbhajan Singh’s side.
The biggest moment of the match came on the last ball of the match, as Ambati Rayudu grabbed a stunning catch to dismiss Obus Pienaar off Irfan Pathan, as, had he dropped the catch, the match would have either gone into super-over, or resulted in a Mahipal Tigers victory.
Watch Ambati Rayudu’s stunning catch here:
Catch that won the match ✌️#BossLogonKaGame #LegendsLeagueCricket #KSOvMT #LLCSeason3 #LLCT20 #Jodhpur pic.twitter.com/aawZwRdOGQ
— Legends League Cricket (@llct20) September 20, 2024
Konark Suryas Odisha only managed 104/9 at the end of their innings on a difficult track of Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, but pulled off one of the most sensational low-target defences of all time, as they reduced Manipal Tigers to 38/6 in 12.3 overs.
A late surge from Daniel Christian and Obus Pienaar brought the match close enough to be decided in the last ball, but Irfan Pathan’s side prevailed at the end of the match.
“It was very crucial for me to score the 11 runs. I was clear in my mind. Rahul gave me the pace and it was tough to go down the ground so I tried to go for the cheeky shots. We played a lot in the nets and I practiced those shots a lot. It’s a new team and the owner is very much supportive, The credit goes to everyone including Irfan for leading the side incredibly,” said Vinay Kumar, who was awarded the Legend of the Match.
Here’s What The Two Captains Said During Post-Match Presentation Ceremomy
Irfan Pathan (Konark Suryas Odisha Captain):
“I told the boys that it was a slow pitch and it was important for us to pick up early wickets. Shahbaz started well and the fast bowlers were really good. Dilshan did well with his three overs too. We made a vital change in the final ball of the innings and it allowed us to win the game. I was trying to bowl my variations and it’s not easy. We’re now part time cricketers and it’s hard to get back into rhythm. It was a great game in the end.”
Harbhajan Singh (Manipal Tigers Captain):
“I think it was chaseable. Unfortunately we didn’t get a go in the beginning. Our biys have fought till the end specially Obus and Dan. I think in small total like this, one need to play positive cricket. It wasn’t a spinning track but that’s what pressure does to you. You fail to execute your shots. But that’s okay. It’s just the start of the tournament. Yes it was a seesaw type of a game. The way we fought in the last five overs was great. We will take something from that and will move on.”
