Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral
The second match of the World Legends Pro T20 League came alive with a star-studded contest as Shane Watson’s Pune Panthers took on Thisara Perera’s Gurugram Thunders. Featuring global stars, Indian icons, and former World Cup winners, the encounter delivered high-intensity cricket, culminating in a sensational chase led by Martin Guptill.
After winning the toss, Gurugram Thunders elected to bat first and posted a competitive 159 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Ross Taylor anchored the innings with a composed knock, steadying the side after early setbacks. Despite losing wickets, the Thunders maintained momentum through the middle overs.
Dwayne Bravo applied pressure with two quick wickets, but Taylor found able support in Colin de Grandhomme. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership that stabilised the innings and ensured Gurugram reached a defendable total.
In response, Pune Panthers suffered an early blow with the dismissal of Shane Watson. Guptill, however, counterattacked with authority, anchoring a vital 72-run partnership to bring the Panthers back on course. His aggressive strokeplay kept the run rate in check and put the Thunders under constant pressure.
Though Pune lost a few wickets during the middle overs, Afghan all-rounder Samiullah Shinwari made a telling contribution. Earlier, he had struck twice with the ball, dismissing both Gurugram openers, and later added valuable runs with a quick 21 off 10 balls.
Guptill remained the driving force of the chase, smashing 68 runs off just 28 deliveries to guide Pune Panthers past the target with four wickets in hand, sealing an impressive opening victory in the tournament.
Brief Scores
Gurugram Thunders: 159/5 (20 overs)
Ross Taylor – 41 (36)
Mohammad Faiz Khan – 35 (27)
Samiullah Shinwari – 2/42 (3 overs)
Pune Panthers: 160/6 (17 overs)
Martin Guptill – 68 (28)
Samiullah Shinwari – 21 (8)
Stuart Broad – 1/11 (2 overs)
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