Cricket Highlights, March 17: Asian Legends League 2025 (2nd Qualifier) – SLLS vs IR

SLLS vs IR (2nd Qualifier) – Highlights

The IR secured their place in the final of the Asian Legends League 2025 with a hard-fought 12-run victory over the SLLS at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium, Udaipur. In a game filled with twists and momentum shifts, the Royals held their nerve to defend 148, eliminating the Lions and setting up an exciting summit clash.

Batting first, IR got off to a shaky start as they lost both openers, Naman Ojha and Rahul Yadav, early in the powerplay. Ojha managed only 10 runs before being bowled by Dilshan, while Yadav struggled before being dismissed for just two. The early setbacks put the Royals on the back foot, but Captain Faiz Fazal steadied the ship alongside Yogesh Nagar. Fazal played a responsible knock of 41 runs, anchoring the innings while Nagar provided valuable support with 28. Their partnership took the score past 80, bringing some stability after the initial wobble.

However, just when the Royals looked to accelerate, wickets started tumbling again. Fazal was caught off Edirisinghe’s bowling, and soon after, Jakati departed for 9. Bipul Sharma’s brisk 10 and a late flourish from Manpreet Gony, who smashed 25 off just 13 balls, ensured that the Royals reached a competitive total of 148 for 7 in their 20 overs. Sanjaya was the pick of the bowlers for the Sri Lankan Lions, taking three wickets for 30 runs, while Dilshan and Malinda Pushpakumara chipped in with two each.

Chasing 149 for a spot in the final, the SLLS needed a strong start, but they found themselves in early trouble. Wicketkeeper-batter Leo Fransisco fell in the first over, caught off Gony for a duck. Tillakaratne Dilshan, however, seemed in ominous touch, taking on the bowlers with a blistering 69 off just 50 balls. His innings was laced with five boundaries and three sixes, keeping the Lions in the hunt. Mevan Fernando and Thisara Perera provided brief support, but their dismissals shifted the balance in favor of the Royals.

The game turned dramatically when Dilshan fell in the 16th over, caught by Nagar off Jakati’s bowling. From there, the Lions collapsed under pressure, losing quick wickets. The lower order failed to contribute significantly, and despite a late cameo from Malinda Pushpakumara, the Lions were bowled out for 136 in their 20 overs, falling 12 runs short of the target.

The Royals’ bowlers delivered when it mattered most, with Bipul Sharma and Jakati taking two wickets each. Gony was effective with 2 for 14 in his three overs, while Anureet Singh, Karanveer Singh, and Nagar also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. The disciplined bowling effort and sharp fielding ensured that the Lions couldn’t capitalize on Dilshan’s heroics.

With this victory, Indian Royals booked their place in the final, capping off a spirited performance. The Sri Lankan Lions, despite flashes of brilliance, fell short in their chase, bringing an end to their journey in the tournament.

Sri Lankan Lions vs Indian Royals Scoreboard

Indian Royals – 148/7 (20)

Sri Lankan Lions – 136 (20)

Result – Indian Royals won by 12 runs

Player of the Match – Manpreet Gony

SLLS vs IR Playing XI

Indian Royals

Faiz Fazal (c), Naman Ojha, Rahul Yadav (wk), Yogesh Nagar, Shadab Jakati, Bipul Sharma, Manpreet Gony, Karanveer Singh, Anureet Singh, Sudeep Tyagi, Vineet Saxena

Sri Lankan Lions

Tillakaratne Dilshan, Leo Fransisco (wk), Mevan Fernando, Thisara Perera (c), Lasith Lakshan, Arul Pragasam, Raveen Sayer, Vikum Sanjaya, Lahiru Gamage, Malinda Pushpakumara, Upul Indrasiri, Chamikara Edirisinghe

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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