India Capitals kicked off their Legends League Cricket (LLC) season 3 with a nail-biting 1-run triumph over Toyam Hyderabad at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on Saturday, September 21. This exhilarating match saw the Capitals setting an imposing target of 186, thanks to notable performances from Ben Dunk, Ashley Nurse, and Colin de Grandhomme.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Ian Bell, making his debut as captain for India Capitals, faced immediate setbacks. The Capitals lost their opener Dwayne Smith early for just 14 runs off 9 balls in the second over. Naman Ojha stepped up, contributing a vital 26 runs off 27 balls before being stumped in the 8th over, leaving the Capitals at a precarious 47 for 2. Captain Ian Bell struggled to find form, scoring a mere 7 runs off 11 deliveries before departing in the 9th over.

However, the middle order stabilized the innings. Ben Dunk delivered a stellar performance with a commanding 60 runs off 35 balls, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Dunk’s aggressive play and crucial partnerships helped the team post a competitive total. Supporting him down the order, Ashley Nurse added 30 runs off 19 balls, while Colin de Grandhomme remained unbeaten with a solid 31 off 23 balls. Their efforts culminated in a total of 185 for the loss of 5 wickets. From Toyam Hyderabad’s bowling lineup, Bipul Sharma was economical, conceding just 21 runs in his 3 overs, and Samiullah Shinwari was effective with figures of 2 wickets for 27 runs in his 3-over spell.

Chasing a target of 186, Toyam Hyderabad started well with opener Chadwick Walton scoring 18 off 14 balls and George Worker adding stability with his composed innings of 52 runs off 43 balls, featuring 4 fours and 3 sixes. Walton fell in the fifth over, but Worker kept the chase alive. Gurkeerat Singh Mann contributed a brisk 28 off 20 balls. However, their captain Suresh Raina could only muster 4 runs off 6 balls before being dismissed.

The game took a decisive turn when George Worker was dismissed in the 17th over. Despite Peter Trego’s late heroics with a quickfire 38 off 18 balls, Toyam Hyderabad fell agonizingly short of the target, finishing at 184/7. The last over was brilliantly bowled by Zimbabwean Mpofu, showcasing nerves of steel under pressure. Rahul Sharma was instrumental in restricting Hyderabad’s score with figures of 2 wickets for just 21 runs in his full quota of 4 overs. Dhawal Kulkarni also chipped in with important breakthroughs, securing 2 wickets for 41 runs.

Summary of Scores:
India Capitals: 185/5 (Ben Dunk 60 off 35 balls; Colin de Grandhomme 31* off 23 balls; Samiullah Shinwari 2/27)
Toyam Hyderabad: 184/7 (George Worker 52 off 43 balls; Peter Trego 38 off 18 balls; Rahul Sharma 2/21)

This match set the stage for an exciting season ahead, as India Capitals prepare to face Southern Superstars on September 25 at the same venue. Ben Dunk’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match accolade.