Gemini Arabians won the match convincingly with two overs remaining © Getty Images (representational image)
Gemini Arabians have won their MCL 2016 match against Leo Lions by eight wickets. It was an easy win for the Arabians and it is their second consecutive victory of the tournament. Lions won the toss and decided to bat first. Hashim Marshall with his nine balls 16-run knock gave them a flying start. However, he was unfortunate to get run out. Robin Peterson, his opening partner was cleaned up for six. From then on, it was former Sri Lankan legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan’s magic . He destroyed Lions’ middle-order by sending Herschelle Gibbs, Brendon Taylor and Brian Lara back to the hut for two, 23 and naught respectively. James Franklin and Scott Styris then tried to steady the ship. They shared a 57-run stand for the sixth wicket. Muralitharan came back and cleaned up Franklin breaking the all-important partnership for the Lions.
Scott Styris was also dismissed for 32. Lions closed their innings on 132 for 7. Muralitharan took a four-wicket-haul while Kyle Mills and Justin Kemp picked a wicket each. In reply, Gemini Arabians lost Virender Sehwag early on in the innings. Sehwag scored 12 off 11 deliveries which included a six. Richard Levi too fell for run-a-ball 13. Kumar Sangakkara then tried hard to steady the ship by batting sensibly and with discipline. Brad Hodge ,on the other hand scored more freely. Both the batters carried their bat through the innings and remained unbeaten on 41 and 65 respectively. Arabians won the match in 18 overs; a comfortable victory for them. Hodge was named most impactful player while Muttiah Muralitharan was awarded Player of the Match award.
Brief Scores:
Leo Lions 132 for 7 (James Franklin 35(37), Scott Styris 32(31); Muttiah Muralitharan 4 for 19) lose to Gemini Arabians 133 for 2 in 18 overs (Kumar Sangakkara 41(41)*, Brad Hodge 65(43)*; Ramesh Powar 1 for 14) by 8 wickets