"VAN" (Sports Desk - 20.03.2023) :: As the stage is set for the grand final of the Skyexch.net Legends League Cricket (LLC) Masters, it will be a recap from 2022, when the Asia Lions clashed with the World Giants in Oman, resulting in a 25-run victory for the World Giants. Given the unpredictability of the tournament so far, the clash between the World Giants and Asia Lions in the final at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium in Doha on Monday, it will be interesting to see whether the World Giants will live up to their name and conquer the title or if it will be the Asia Lions who will roar to success.
The story of this edition indicates that it is bound to be a legendary final in which cricket will be at its best and the T20 format in its full glory since it will be carved out by legends of the game who have enthralled fans during their glorious careers.
World Giants were the first to book their place in the final as table toppers, but it does not give them the tag of favourites. They had lost to the Asia Lions in a rain-affected 10-over contest. On the other hand, the Asia Lions also lost to the World Giants in another match by 20 runs, and they had also been trounced by the India Maharajas by ten wickets. But by reaching the final, they have proved that they can pounce like lions to victory. Withstanding all odds, they defeated India Maharajas by 85 runs in the eliminator to book their place in the final, registering the biggest victory margin as well as the highest score of this season at 191 for 5.
Aaron Finch, the skipper of the World Giants, is well aware of his team's and his opponent's strengths and weaknesses, having played against each other many times during their international careers. "Nothing can be taken for granted in this final. As we had done in the earlier matches, we have to give our best if we want to lift the trophy. Everyone here is a legend, and no one needs to be told how to win a final. They are all players who have fought many a battle during their international cricketing days," noted Finch.
Shahid Afridi, the skipper of the Asia Lions, when queried about his team’s chances, remarked, "Everyone knows their job; everyone has played in many finals. What is needed from them is to get out there and enjoy the contest and come back the winner." His response was as powerful as one of his nicknames Boom Boom.
Raman Raheja, co-founder and CEO of Legends League Cricket (LLC), seemed delighted by how the tournament has panned out so far and that the most deserving teams have made it to the final. "The LLC Masters has been nothing short of a dream tournament. Starting from the amazing support and hospitality that we have received from Qatar to the fans who have filled in the stands each day to show their love and support for the game. I strongly believe that it was one of the best decisions to host the tournament here, and help in our own way in propagating the culture of cricket in the country."
He further added, "The World Giants and Asia Lions are made up of players who are idols and heroes to many fans. I am sure the fighting spirit that has shaped these cricketers into legends will come to the fore again in the final. Just like we have seen in all the matches in this edition, the final will also produce the best of cricket and probably one of the best finals."
Considering how the tournament has progressed, one can expect outstanding cricket and a fierce battle, which stems from the fact that everyone on both teams is a battle-hardened hero.
Leading the World Giants’ quest for the trophy starts with the legendary ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, along with opener Hashim Amla, skipper Aaron Finch, followed by great allrounders like Jacques Kallis, and Shane Watson. Everyone has been among the runs scoring at least one half-century each in the build-up to the final. They will be supported by last edition’s heavy hitter, Ross Taylor, and Ireland’s pride, Kevin O’Brien. Their battery of pacers gets switched on with the fearsome Brett Lee, who has bagged five wickets here, spreading the same fear he did in the past and being economical at the same time. He is followed by the accurate Chris Mpofu and Tino Best, who have shown that they’re still at their best, bagging six wickets each so far. Spinners Monty Panesar, Samit Patel, and Ricardo Powell are also capable of turning the final in their team’s favour.
The Asia Lions are led by an inspiring hero and all-rounder, Shahid Afridi. Sri Lanka’s opener and wicketkeeper Upul Tharanga is in glorious form, as are his countrymen Tillakaratne Dilshan and Thisara Perera. ‘Professor’ Mohammad Hafeez has sparkled both as a bowler and a batsman. Through his knocks, the ever-green Misbah Ul Haq has made fans wonder why he isn’t playing in the Pakistan Super League too. Pacer Sohail Tanvir seems to have never lost his pace and is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with seven to his name. Similarly, Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak has shown his ability to turn the ball accurately while still being his economical self throughout the tournament. Nepal’s pride Paras Khadka and Pakistan’s allrounder Abdul Razzaq, another Sri Lankan, Isuru Udana, and Afghanistan’s Asghar Afghan are all match winners.
The large turnout over the past few days, along with the loud cheers, will once again reverberate and get the legends to give their best. The final of the Skyexch.net LLC Masters will be played between Asia Lions and World Giants on Monday, March 20, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. IST and 5:30 p.m. AST.
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