Srinagar, October 9, 2024: India Capitals, the GMR Group-owned franchise, are aiming to secure their playoff spot by finishing second as they face Manipal Tigers here at the Bakshi Stadium. After a thrilling last-ball win in their previous game, the Capitals will look to end their Legends League Cricket (LLC) Season 3 group stage on a high. With 6 points and fresh off a victory over Gujarat Greats, the Capitals currently sit third in the standings. Manipal Tigers, however, hold the second position with 7 points. A win in this high-stakes clash will not only ensure the Capitals a playoff berth but also strengthen their bid for a top-two finish.
The game between India Capitals and Manipal Tigers will be broadcast LIVE on Star Sports Network on October 10, 2024 (Thursday) from 7 PM IST. Fans can also live stream the match on FanCode.
India Capitals will enter this match on the back of a confidence-boosting win against Gujarat Greats, where skipper Ian Bell’s composed knock of 41* off 49 balls guided them to a 4-wicket victory. The team’s bowling, led by Iqbal Abdulla and Dhawal Kulkarni, has been a key strength throughout the season. Abdulla, in particular, has been in excellent form, regularly taking wickets at crucial moments.
On the batting front, the Capitals have shown flashes of brilliance, with Bharat Chipli, Ben Dunk, and Colin de Grandhomme contributing at key moments. However, the top order will need to step up and deliver under pressure as they face a strong Tigers bowling attack.
“We know this is a crucial match for us,” said India Capitals’ captain Ian Bell. “We showed great resilience in the last game, and now we have a chance to secure a top-two finish, which will give us a strong edge going into the playoffs. The team is focused, and we know what’s on the line. We’re ready to give our best and end the league stage on a positive note.”
On the other hand, Manipal Tigers, captained by Harbhajan Singh, have been consistent this season and currently hold second place in the standings. Their last win against Gujarat Greats saw all-rounder Thisara Perera star with both bat and ball. With 7 points, they will look to secure a win and keep their playoff momentum going. The Tigers’ middle-order, featuring Robin Uthappa, Manoj Tiwary, and Dan Christian, has been crucial in chasing down targets and providing stability.
Their bowling, led by Harbhajan Singh, will look to test the Capitals’ batting depth, with spin playing a major role on the Srinagar track. With both teams battling for a place in the playoffs, this promises to be an intense and thrilling contest.
India Capitals Squad: Ian Bell (Captain), Kirk Edwards, Dwayne Smith, Ben Dunk, Naman Ojha, Colin de Grandhomme, Iqbal Abdulla, Dhruv Raval, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ashley Nurse, Parwinder Awana, Pankaj Singh, Pawan Suyal, Chirs Mpofu, Barinder Saran, Bharat Chipli and Faiz Fazal
Manipal Tigers Squad: Harbhajan Singh (C), Robin Uthappa, Thisara Perera, Sheldon Cottrell, Dan Christian, Angelo Perera, Manoj Tiwary, Asela Gunaratne, Solomon Mire, Anureet Singh, Abu Nechim, Amit Verma, Imran Khan, Rahul Shukla, Amitoze Singh, Praveen Gupta, and Saurabh Tiwary.
