Chris Gayle celebrates his half century yesterday.
Doha: Chris Gayle scored a commanding half century to help World Giants claim a three-wicket victory over India Maharajas at the Legends League Cricket underway in Doha.
The legendary West Indian hard-hitter scored 57 from 46 deliveries, smashing nine fours and a six as Aaron Finch-led Giants achieved a target of 139 with eight balls to spare at Asian Town International Stadium yesterday.
Man-of-the-Match Gayle paired up with Aussie Shane Watson (26) for a 51-run partnership for the second wicket that proved crucial in Giants’ run-chase.
Brett Lee (right) celebrates with Tino Best.
Yusuf Pathan was pick of the bowlers for Maharajas with two wickets, conceding only 14 runs from four overs.
Earlier, Suresh Raina (49) helped Maharajas reach 136/9 in the allotted 20 overs as Giants’ pacer Brett Lee excelled again, grabbing three wickets for 18. The former Indian batsman hit three sixes in his knock.
Opener Manvinder Bisla played an innings of 36 from 34 deliveries for Maharajas. Apart from Lee, Chris Mpofu and Tino Best claimed a brace of wickets apiece for the Giants.
World Giants will now meet Asia Lions today.
Brief scores:
World Giants bt India Maharajas by 3 wickets
India Maharajas 136 for 9 in 20 overs (Manvinder Bisla 36, Suresh Raina 49, Irfan Pathan 25, Brett Lee 3 for 18, Chris Mpofu 2 for 22, Tino Best 2 for 27)
World Giants 139 for 7 in 18.4 overs (Chris Gayle 57, Shane Watson 26, Yusuf Pathan 2 for 14)
