Srinagar: Former India stars Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa thrashed Asian Lions bowlers to lead Indian Maharaja’s to a thumping 10 wicket win in the Legends League Cricket at Doha.
Uthappa and Gambhir put on a 159-run opening partnership with Uthappa cracking an unbeaten 88 off 39 balls with 11 boundaries and five sixes while Gambhir scored an unconquered 61 off 36 balls with 12 boundaries.
Electing to field first, India Maharajas had restricted Asia Lions to 157 for 5 in 20 overs. For Asia Lions, Upul Tharanga hammered 69 off 48 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes while Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 32 off 27 balls with four boundaries and a six. Together they put on 73 runs opening partnership in 8.4 overs, which however went in vain.
Abdul Razzaq known for his big shots hit Dinda for a boundary to backward point and also a six off successive balls to remain unbeaten on 27 off 17 balls with two boundaries and two sixes. This also ensured Asia Lions a total of over 150 runs. Finally ending with a total of 157/5 off their 20.
India Maharajas on the other hand were brutal and chased the target down with their consistent scorer and skipper Gautam Gambhir and on-song Robin Uthappa. They negotiated the pace of Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Amir confidently.
Brief scores: Asia Lions 157 for 5 in 20 overs (Upul Tharanga 69, Tillakaratne Dilshan 32, Abdul Razzaq 27 not out, Suresh Raina 2/16) lost to India Maharajas 159/0 in 12.3 overs (Robin Uthappa 88 n.o., Gautam Gambhir 61 n.o.)