Masakadza seals chase for India Capitals as Tigers sink further

Hamilton Masakadza and Ross Taylor in action

India Capitals, led by Gautam Gambhir, overhauled Manipal Tigers’ total with ease in match number 10 of the 2022 Legends League Cricket season.

The win marked their third in succession this year, after they had sustained a three-wicket defeat to Gujarat Giants in their tournament opener. It also puts Capitals table-topping stay intact, and further sank Tigers chances of making their claim for the playoffs.

Hamilton Masakadza drives Capitals to win

Earlier, Capitals skipper Gautam Gambhir won the toss and opted to field first. The Tigers slammed 161 on the board upfront, courtesy of Jesse Ryder’s attacking 79 from just 56 deliveries.

Team India veteran Mohammad Kaif also whacked an aggressive 48-ball 67, glittered with nine classy boundaries and a huge six.

For the Capitals, Rajat Bhatia and former English star Liam Plunkett claimed two wickets each, all while conceding 45 runs from their combined six overs.

Their run-chase launched with much intent as they raced to 50 within the powerplay itself. While openers Gambhir and Solomon Mire failed to make giant contributions, their blazing start paved way for Hamilton Masakadza to unleash a full-blooded assault on the Tigers.

The legendary Zimbabwean smacked 68 unbeaten runs from just 39 and remained unbeaten till the finishing line for his side.

Brief scores:

Manipal Tigers: 161-5 (20)

Jesse Ryder 79 (56), Mohammad Kaif 67 (48)
Rajat Bhatia 2-14, Liam Plunkett 2-31

India Capitals: 162-3 (17.2)

Hamilton Masakadza 68* (39), Ross Taylor 29 (27)
Muthiah Muralidaran 1-15, Dilhara Fernando 1-19

India Capitals won by 7 wickets

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