Published 00:31 IST, March 20th 2024

Legends Cricket Trophy: Rajasthan Kings Beat New York Superstar Strikers to emerge as champions

Ashley Nurse's all-round show and disciplined bowling effort helped Rajasthan Kings register a clinical 20-run win over New York Superstar Strikers.

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Legends Cricket Trophy | Image: Special Arrangement
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Ashley Nurse's all-round show and disciplined bowling effort helped Rajasthan Kings register a clinical 20-run win over New York Superstar Strikers in highly anticipated grand finale at Pallekele International Cricket Stium on Tuesday, March 19, to be crowned champions of first ever 90-ball format - Legends Cricket Trophy 2024.

In 90-ball per side game, Ashley Nurse top-scored 97 for Rajasthan Kings and West Indies star also picked up a wicket at a crucial juncture and bagged player of match award in final.

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Chasing a stiff target of 180 set by Rajasthan Kings, New York Superstar Strikers could only reach 159 for 6 in stipulated 15 overs and lost game.

Strikers' opening duo, Chwick Walton and Alviro Petersen, initiated ir chase cautiously in powerplay for ir team. Walton fell victim to Robin Uthappa's quick glovework, getting stumped for 17 off 15 balls after being deceived by Shab Jakati's spin.

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Following Walton's dismissal at 37 runs in 4.5 overs, Strikers sought a substantial contribution from Petersen. However, Bipul Sharma dismissed Petersen for just 3 runs ded to team's tally, ending his innings at a slow 17 off 16 balls.

Introduced into attack in ninth over, Ashley Nurse claimed Strikers' third wicket, dismissing dangerous Chamara Kapugedera for 30 off 15 balls. scoreboard reflected 77 for three in 9 overs for Strikers.

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Reaching 86/3 in 10 overs, Strikers faced challenge of scoring 94 runs from remaining 30 balls, as Rajasthan Kings' bowlers maintained a tight grip on game.

Under mounting pressure, Asela Gunaratne contributed a quickfire 24 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Chaturanga de Silva in 12th over. Yuvraj Singh, who h remained quiet until 12th over, unleashed his aggressive intent in 13th over, smashing three consecutive sixes off Shab Jakati.

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Yuvraj continued his onslaught in 14th over, striking four boundaries and a maximum off Manpreet Gony as Strikers reached 152 runs. However, with 28 runs required from final over, Yuvraj's valiant efforts were t eugh to turn tide.

Despite completing his fifty off 20 balls, he was caught by Rajesh Bishi on third ball of over, dashing Strikers' hopes of victory.

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Ultimately, Rajasthan Kings restricted Superstar Strikers to 159 for six in stipulated 90 balls, securing a 20-run victory. Captain Robin Uthappa's strategic leership and collective effort of Kings' bowlers played a pivotal role in ir triumph.

All bowlers from Rajasthan Kings put up a commendable performance, with five out of six bowlers claiming one wicket each. Former India cricketer Parvinder Awana stood out, conceding only 26 runs, and taking one wicket in his three overs.

Earlier in day, Yuvraj Singh me winning call at toss, electing to field first against Robin Uthappa-led side.

Despite Uthappa's early dismissal after a brisk 16 off 7 deliveries by Jerome Taylor, Rajasthan Kings found ir momentum with an impressive partnership between former Zimbabwe batting star Hamilton Masakza and Ashley Nurse. Toger, y amassed a formidable 106-run stand for second wicket in just 53 balls.

Masakza, opening innings, showcased his prowess with a rapid-fire 56 off 30 balls, comprising seven boundaries and a couple of sixes. Meanwhile, Nurse fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed in final over of innings for a blistering 97 off only 41 deliveries. former West Indies cricketer's innings featured 12 fours and half-a-dozen sixes before he was bowled out.

Jerome Taylor emerged as standout bowler for New York Superstar Strikers, claiming three crucial wickets for 40 runs. His victims included Uthappa, Masakza, and Nurse. Nuwan Preep also me an impact with ball for Strikers, conceding just 20 runs and taking one wicket in his three overs. Rajasthan Kings mand to post a challenging total of 179/4 from allotted 90 deliveries. 

00:31 IST, March 20th 2024