Jodhpur: India Capitals, the GMR Group-owned franchise, narrowly missed out on victory against Southern Super Stars in their second game of Legends League Cricket 2024, played here at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium. Despite posting a competitive total of 171/4, courtesy of 104 runs partnership between Ben Dunk and Ashley Nurse, the Capitals went down by 4 wickets with 5 balls to spare. Southern Super Stars, led by Chirag Gandhi’s late heroics, chased down the target to secure their second consecutive win of the season.
India Capitals, after winning the toss and electing to bat, made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Faiz Fazal and Pawan Suyal. However, Fazal couldn’t make the most of his opportunity, getting dismissed for just 9 runs, leaving the team at 14/1 by the fourth over. Dwayne Smith provided some stability with a solid 36 off 33 balls, while Naman Ojha chipped in with 16 off 21 and the Capitals found themselves at 62/3 by the 12th over.
Thereafter, the Capitals capitalized on the momentum when Ben Dunk and Ashley Nurse put together a remarkable 104-run partnership. Dunk smashed 61 off 29 balls, with 4 boundaries and 5 sixes, while Nurse provided valuable support with a well-played 40 not out. Their efforts propelled India Capitals to a challenging total of 171/4 in 20 overs. Southern Super Stars’ Abdur Razzak excelled with the ball as he conceded just 4 runs in his four-over spell, including two maidens and a wicket.
Batting second, Southern Super Stars got off to a steady start, with Martin Guptill (36 off 28) and Shreevats Goswami (17 off 17) contributing 41 runs in the first five overs. However, India Capitals’ Parvinder Awana turned the game by taking two crucial wickets in the 6th over, dismissing Goswami and Parthiv Patel in quick succession. Rahul Sharma then added to the pressure by removing Guptill and Southern Super Stars’ skipper Dinesh Karthik (5 off 4), leaving the Super Stars struggling at 73/4.
Despite the fall of wickets, Pawan Negi (38 off 26) fought back, but his dismissal in Rahul Sharma’s final over (14th over of the match) put the Super Stars under pressure. However, Chirag Gandhi (38* off 21) and Jesal Karia (23* off 18) staged a late recovery, smashing boundaries in the death overs to guide Southern Super Stars to 174/6, winning the match by 4 wickets with 5 balls remaining. Chirag Gandhi was named the Legend of the Match for his match-winning knock.
India Capitals, despite putting up a strong fight, fell just short in what was a nail-biting contest. With a win and a loss in their first two games, Ian Bell’s side will look to regroup as they prepare for their next match against Konark Suryas Odisha on September 29 at the Lalabhai Contractor Stadium in Surat.
Match Score Summary:
India Capitals: 171/4 (Ben Dunk 61 off 29; Ashley Nurse 40* off 24; Jesal Karia 2/53, Abdur Razzak 1/6,)
Southern Super Stars: 174/6 (19.1 overs)(Chirag Gandhi 38* off 21; Pawan Negi 38 off 26; Rahul Sharma 3/35)
