• Manipal Tigers registered victory in the final of LLC 2023 by defeating Urbanrisers Hyderabad.

  • It was the first titular victory for the Tigers.

Twitter Reaction: Manipal Tigers outplay Urbanrisers Hyderabad to win their maiden LLC title | Legends League Cricket 2023
Harbhajan Singh led Manipal Tigers beat Urbanrisers Hyderabad in LLC 2023 Final (Image Source: Twitter)

In a thrilling contest in Surat on Saturday (December 9), the Manipal Tigers achieved victory in the second edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) by defeating Urbanrisers Hyderabad by five wickets with six balls to spare.

Early challenges and Urbanrisers Hyderabad’s tenacity

Captain Harbhajan Singh displayed strategic prowess by choosing to bowl first after winning the toss. The early setbacks, with Mitchell McClenaghan and Pankaj Singh removing Dwayne Smith and Martin Guptill, had Urbanrisers struggling at 36/2. However, Rikki Clarke (80*) and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (64) orchestrated a remarkable recovery, forming a century partnership. A quick contribution from Peter Trego down the order propelled Urbanrisers to a competitive total of 187/5 in 20 overs.

Asela Gunaratne’s heroics lead Manipal Tigers’ response

In the chase, Asela Gunaratne‘s unbeaten 51 off 29 deliveries, featuring five sixes, played a pivotal role for the Tigers. Gunaratne, along with Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera, forged crucial partnerships, guiding the Tigers to recovery after the loss of three quick wickets.

Also READ: Australian legend Brett Lee pinpoints a bowler who reminds him of young Pat Cummins

Colin de Grandhomme’s decisive six seals the deal for the Tigers

Former New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme emerged as the hero for the Tigers in the end, finishing the victory with a match-winning six off his first delivery. Harbhajan’s team successfully chased down the 188-run target set by Urbanrisers, securing their maiden LLC championship with an entire over to spare.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: 

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Romario Shepherd’s all-round efforts steer West Indies to a series-clinching win over England in 3rd ODI

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