India Capitals go down to Toyam Hyderabad in the Eliminator of LLC 2024

Srinagar: The GMR group owned franchise, India Capitals’ campaign in Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2024 came to an unfortunate end as they went down to Toyam Hyderabad by 7 wickets in the Eliminator at Bakshi Stadium. Despite a valiant effort with the bat from Colin de Grandhomme, the Capitals struggled to post a competitive total and were unable to defend their target of 89, bowing out of the tournament.

Invited to bat first, India Capitals lost early momentum as opener Dwayne Smith (3 off 4) was dismissed in the very first over. However, Colin de Grandhomme (36 off 19) and Dhruv Raval (18 off 13) steadied the innings, putting together a brisk 43-run stand for the second wicket. Both batsmen looked in good touch, but Raval’s dismissal just before the end of the powerplay shifted the game in Toyam Hyderabad’s favor.

At 55 for 2 at the end of 6 overs, the Capitals were still in a decent position. However, the fall of Iqbal Abdulla (3 off 6) and Grandhomme, who was in sublime form, put the Capitals in a difficult situation. Shivakant Shukla trapped Grandhomme LBW on the first ball of the 8th over, reducing the Capitals to 63 for 4. From there, Hyderabad’s spinners took control of the game, and the Capitals’ middle-order struggled to cope with the turning track.

Bharat Chipli (6 off 6), Ashley Nurse (0 off 3), and captain Ben Dunk (9 off 14) couldn’t make an impact, as wickets continued to tumble. With the lower order unable to offer resistance, Capitals were bowled out for just 88 in 14.4 overs.

Defending a modest total of 89, India Capitals’ bowlers needed early breakthroughs. Dhawal Kulkarni started the innings with a maiden over, and Avinash Yadav provided the breakthrough by dismissing Chadwick Walton (5 off 13) in the 4th over. However, Hyderabad’s George Worker (27 off 21) and Peter Trego (19 off 10) kept the scoreboard moving, keeping their team firmly in control.

Despite Iqbal Abdulla and Ashley Nurse taking a wicket each, Hyderabad’s batsmen played sensibly. Gurkeerat Singh Mann (22* off 13) and Rikki Clarke (8* off 12) ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding their team to the target in 11.3 overs, sealing a 7-wicket win for Toyam Hyderabad and ending India Capitals’ run in LLC 2024.

Match Score Summary:
India Capitals: 88/10 in 14.4 overs (Colin de Grandhomme 36, Dhruv Raval 18; Shivakant Shukla 3/13)

Toyam Hyderabad: 90/3 in 11.3 overs (George Worker 27, Gurkeerat Singh 22*; Avinash Yadav 1/15, Ashley Nurse 1/15)