Cricket Highlights, March 18: Asian Legends League 2025 (Final Match) – Asian Stars vs Indian Royals

ANS vs IR (Final Match) – Highlights

The highly anticipated final of the Asian Legends League 2025 saw ANS take on IR at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Udaipur. In a thrilling encounter under the floodlights, Asian Stars emerged victorious by six wickets, successfully chasing down a target of 149 with five balls to spare.

After winning the toss, IR opted to bat first, hoping to post a competitive total on a slightly tricky wicket. However, their innings never quite gained momentum as they lost early wickets in the powerplay. Naman Ojha, who was expected to anchor the innings, managed just five runs before falling to Ishwar Pandey. Rahul Yadav followed soon after, departing for a duck. With two wickets down early, the pressure mounted on Captain Faiz Fazal, but he too fell after scoring 11 runs, trapped leg-before by Dilshan Munaweera.

The middle order attempted to stabilize the innings, with Nagar and Manan Sharma showing some resistance. Nagar contributed 16 runs before edging one to Rishi Dhawan in the slips, while Manan Sharma managed 14 before falling to Munaweera. The innings seemed to be heading towards a collapse at 40 for 4, but Sanjay Singh provided some much-needed fight. He played a crucial knock of 57 off 29 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes to push Indian Royals past the 100-run mark.

However, despite Singh’s heroics, the lower order couldn’t capitalize. Bipul Sharma, Gony, and Anureet Singh struggled to get going against disciplined bowling from the Asian Stars. Rishi Dhawan struck at key moments, dismissing Bipul Sharma and Anureet Singh in quick succession. Indian Royals were eventually bowled out for 148 in 19.5 overs, setting a below-par target for their opponents.

Chasing 149 for victory, ANS got off to a shaky start, losing their captain Mehran Khan for a duck in the very first over. Kashyap Prajapati followed soon after, falling to Anureet Singh for 15. With two wickets down early, there was some concern in the Asian Stars’ camp, but Raghav Dhawan took charge of the innings with a composed knock.

Dilshan Munaweera failed to make an impact with the bat, departing for just two runs. However, Rishi Dhawan steadied the innings, forming a crucial partnership with Raghav Dhawan. Rishi played a patient innings, scoring 37 off 35 deliveries before being dismissed by Manan Sharma in the 18th over. By this point, Asian Stars were on the brink of victory, needing just seven more runs with plenty of balls to spare.

Sarul Kanwar then ensured there were no further hiccups, finishing the chase in style with an unbeaten 65 off 50 balls. His innings was laced with 10 boundaries, displaying exceptional stroke play under pressure. Asian Stars reached the target in 19.1 overs, securing a well-earned victory in the final.

Asian Stars vs Indian Royals Scoreboard

Indian Royals – 148 (19.5/20)

Asian Stars – 149/4 (19.1/20)

Result – Asian Stars won by 6 wkts

Player of the Match – Rishi Dhawan

SLLS vs IR Playing XIs

Indian Royals

Faiz Fazal (c), Naman Ojha (wk), Rahul Yadav, Nagar, Manan Sharma, Sanjay Singh, V Saxena, Bipul Sharma, Manpreet Gony, Anureet Singh, Shadab Jakati

Asian Stars

Mehran Khan (c), Swapnil Patil (wk), Rishi Dhawan, Kashyap Prajapati, Dilshan Munaweera, Raghav Dhawan, Sarul Kanwar, Ishwar Pandey, Nazmus Sadat, Pawan Suyal, Ankit Narwal

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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