Star Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan once again showed why he remains one of India’s beloved all-rounders, leading Konark Suryas Odisha to a competitive total in the first qualifier match of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2024. Despite early setbacks, Pathan’s exceptional innings of 62 runs from 47 balls helped his team post 146 runs against Southern Super Stars in Srinagar, turning the match on its head after a disastrous start.
Southern Super Stars Dominate Early
The match, held at Srinagar, saw Southern Super Stars’ captain Kedar Jadhav win the toss and opt to bowl first. His decision proved immediately fruitful as the Southern Super Stars bowlers wreaked havoc on Konark Suryas Odisha’s top order. In what seemed like a dream start for the Jadhav-led side, Odisha found themselves struggling at 8 for 4 within the first few overs.
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Openers Richard Levi (22 runs) and Manuveera, alongside key players Jesse Ryder and Nataraj Behara, were sent back to the pavilion without making any impact. With Kevin O’Brien adding just 2 runs to the tally, Konark Suryas seemed on the verge of a total collapse. However, this was when captain Irfan Pathan stepped up to rescue his team.
Irfan Pathan’s Heroic Innings
Irfan Pathan, leading from the front, showed remarkable composure and class as he anchored the innings amidst a sea of wickets falling around him. He rebuilt the innings, combining patience with aggression, to give his side a fighting chance. Pathan’s authoritative knock included 6 fours and 3 massive sixes, as he struck the ball cleanly and rotated the strike efficiently, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
He was supported by his brother, Yusuf Pathan, who also played a crucial role in rebuilding the innings. Yusuf, known for his explosive batting, made a quickfire 41 off just 21 balls. His innings featured 4 fours and 3 sixes, as he provided the much-needed acceleration towards the back end of the innings. The Pathan brothers’ partnership proved pivotal in taking Odisha to a competitive total of 146 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, an improbable recovery considering their initial slump.
Southern Super Stars’ Bowling Efforts
For Southern Super Stars, it was an impressive team effort with the ball. Kedar Jadhav‘s decision to bowl first was validated early on with lethal bowling from Hamid, Abdul Razzaq, and Subodh Bhati, each of whom claimed 2 wickets apiece. Their disciplined line and length put immense pressure on the Konark Suryas Odisha top order, which crumbled in the opening overs.
However, the inability to break the partnership between Irfan and Yusuf Pathan in the middle overs allowed Odisha to recover and post a total that looked competitive given the challenging conditions at Srinagar.
The Class of Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan’s innings was a masterclass in adaptability, proving that he still has the ability to rise to big occasions. The pitch at Srinagar was offering considerable assistance to the bowlers, but Pathan used his vast experience to counter the swing and seam movement, while still maintaining a healthy strike rate. His ability to find boundaries at crucial moments was key in ensuring his side had a target to defend in the crucial qualifier match.
Irfan’s knock, coming under immense pressure with his team reeling at 8 for 4, was a testament to his mental toughness and his undiminished class. His ability to lead from the front will surely boost the morale of his teammates as they look ahead to the next phase of the competition.
It remains to be seen how Southern Super Stars will respond with the bat, but the Pathan brothers have certainly set up an intriguing contest. With such a competitive total on the board, Konark Suryas Odisha will look to their bowlers to defend the score and secure their place in the final.
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