During the day's second match in the ongoing Legends Cricket Trophy (LCT) on March 17 (Sunday), Dubai Giants clashed with Rajasthan Kings. Rajasthan Kings emerged victorious with a 14-run win over Dubai Giants in a thrilling encounter. This victory was fueled by the exceptional performance of their captain, Robin Uthappa, and a combined effort from Chaturanga de Silva.
After being put in to bat first by Dubai Giants, Uthappa showcased his batting prowess by smashing a rapid 76 runs off just 34 balls, propelling Rajasthan Kings to a formidable total of 208 for three within the allocated 90 deliveries. This also became the tournament’s highest total by any team. Uthappa formed a dynamic partnership with opener Hamilton Masakadza, who added a brisk 42 runs off 19 balls to the total. Together, they established an impressive 83-run partnership in just 37 balls before Masakadza's dismissal.
Chaturanga de Silva's knock of 37 runs off 19 balls and Angelo Perera's unbeaten 43 off 16 balls further boosted the Kings' total. However, it was Uthappa's dominant display, comprising eight sixes and five boundaries, that stole the limelight. Among the Dubai Giants' bowlers, Pawan Suyal proved to be the most economical, conceding 39 runs at an economy rate of 9.80 runs per over.
Gurkeerat's 14-Ball 50 Goes In Vain
In pursuit of the challenging target of 209, Dubai Giants began their innings briskly with openers Shaun Marsh (23 off 9) and Amit Verma (34 off 20), quickly accumulating 39 runs. However, Ashley Nurse dismissed Marsh early in the fourth over. Verma then formed a strong partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann, who blazed to a rapid 66 runs off just 21 balls after achieving a fifty in just 14 balls, maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 314.29. However, the middle order crumbled under pressure with Bipul Sharma claiming three quick wickets for the Kings.
Despite Denesh Ramdin's effort, scoring a quick 30 runs off 11 balls, he fell as the ninth wicket, and the Giants fell short of the target. Chaturanga de Silva completed his five-wicket haul by clean bowling Pawan Suyal for a duck. De Silva finished with figures of 5/28 from 2.5 overs, while Bipul Sharma secured 3/31 from three overs, restricting Dubai Giants to 194 runs in 13.5 overs.