Irfan Pathan Outstanding Innings:
In the Road Safety World Series, all-rounder Irfan Pathan directs India Legends to a thrilling victory at the Navi Mumbai DY Patil Stadium against Sri Lanka Legends on Tuesday. Although Romesh Kaluwitharana, a key member of Sri Lanka Legends picked up all-important wickets, Irfan Pathan hit a splashing unbeaten 57 runs out of 31 balls and registered a tremendous win of India Legends by five wickets.
For the second time, captain Sachin Tendulkar won the toss and choose to field first. But the Sri Lanka Legends managed to score decent runs with the help of Dilshan and Romesh Kaluwitharana and scored 138 runs with the loss of 8 wickets.
To chase Sri Lanka’s 138 total, India Legends had a tough start as they lost Virendra Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh’s wicket at the score of 19.
A special Partnership:
For India’s victory, a long-term partnership was required. Sanjay Bangar and Mohammad Kaif struggled to bring the team of India back on the track with their 43 runs. But Rangana Herath, left-arm spinner of Sri Lanka dismissed Bangar and put the India team in great trouble. After some time, Mohammad Kaif also returned by scoring 46 runs.
Then Vadodara man Irfan Pathan delivered his rapid-fire half-century with the help of six hits and three sixes. With Manpreet Singh Gony, Irfan Pathan transformed the game completely and ultimately scored 26 runs in the 16th over of Farveez Maharoof. And finally, take India to 139 runs with the loss of 5 wickets.
Bowling Side:
Munaf Patel demonstrated his seam movements and accuracy strategy once again and dismissed four wickets for 19 runs. It caused the main loss for the Sri Lanka Legends and finished their innings in 138 runs with the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.
Besides Munaf Patel, all the four bowlers were able to take one-one wicket except Pragyan Ojha.