Asia Lions 165 for six (Misbah 73, Tharanga 40, Binny 2-22) beat India Maharajas 156 for 8 (Gambhir 54, Kaif 22, Tanvir 3-27) by 9 runs
But Gambhir discovered his rhythm shortly. His vary of strokes included typical step-out pictures in opposition to the spinners, together with a drive via cowl with the spin off part-timer Tillakaratne Dilshan. Gambhir was ably accompanied by former India opener M Vijay, who received a cameo of 25 runs off 19 deliveries laced with three boundaries and a six. However, following the dismissals of Gambhir and Vijay, Maharajas collapsed within the dying overs within the face of an growing asking price.
Earlier, Maharajas’ Irfan Pathan had initially set the tone for the primary innings with a nostalgic spell of swing bowling. Each of his first few deliveries with the brand new ball displayed some lateral motion. His new-ball accomplice Ashok Dinda received the primary breakthrough within the type of Dilshan.
Dilshan, along with his footwork not fairly at his finest, ended up edging a full supply exterior off stump to Uthappa, who accomplished a juggling catch within the third try.
But Misbah shortly introduced momentum into Lions’ innings. He checked out ease, both when stepping out in opposition to the spinners and even the pacers, as evident from his six off quick bowler Parvinder Awana within the ninth over. Misbah’s knock of 73 included two fours and 4 sixes, earlier than he was dismissed within the 18th over off Stuart Binny’s medium tempo.
His former Pakistan team-mate Shahid Afridi displayed his typical aggressive intent from the outset. He efficiently ramped one within the 18th over to high quality leg, albeit off a prime edge. Off the following supply, he tried the identical shot however miscued it straight to Harbhajan Singh at brief high quality leg.
Little else was new to the brand new T20 norm as Lions held their nerve, barring Harbhajan by chance making use of saliva to the ball, one thing which was banned submit the appearance of Covid-19.
Source web site: www.espncricinfo.com