Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], September 21 (ANI): 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 on Saturday. The Capitals posted a challenging total of 185/5, thanks to a stellar 60-run innings by Ben Dunk and late fireworks from Ashley Nurse and Colin de Grandhomme. Their disciplined bowling performance ensured the target was defended successfully, with Ben Dunk being awarded the Man of the Match for his remarkable contribution. Up next, the Capitals will clash with the Southern Superstars on September 25 at the same venue.

The game began with Ian Bell, making his debut as captain for India Capitals, winning the toss and opting to bat first. Despite a rocky start that saw opener Dwayne Smith dismissed for 14 runs off 9 balls in the second over, wicketkeeper-batter Naman Ojha steadied the innings with a quickfire 26 off 27 balls before being stumped in the 8th over, leaving the team at 47/2. Captain Ian Bell struggled to find form, scoring only 7 runs off 11 balls before his departure in the 9th over.

The middle order stepped up to stabilize the innings. Ben Dunk led the resurgence with a commanding 60 off 35 balls, featuring 4 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. His aggressive approach built crucial partnerships, propelling India Capitals to a competitive total of 185/5. Contributions from Ashley Nurse (30 off 19) and Colin de Grandhomme (31* off 23) provided the late innings momentum. From Hyderabad, Bipul Sharma was economical, giving away just 21 runs in his 3 overs, while Samiullah Shinwari took 2 wickets for 27 runs in his spell.

Toyam Hyderabad’s chase of 186 began promisingly. Opener Chadwick Walton scored a brisk 18 off 14 balls before being dismissed in the fifth over. His partner, George Worker, played a composed knock of 52 off 43 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, anchoring the innings. Gurkeerat Singh Mann added a quickfire 28 off 20 balls, but captain Suresh Raina’s early dismissal for just 4 runs off 6 balls was a setback.

The pivotal moment in Hyderabad’s chase came with George Worker’s dismissal in the 17th over. Despite a valiant effort from Peter Trego, who smashed 38 runs off just 18 balls, Hyderabad fell agonizingly short, ending their innings at 184/7. The final over by Zimbabwean bowler Mpofu was exceptional under pressure. India Capitals’ bowlers shone brightly, particularly Rahul Sharma who took 2 wickets for just 21 runs in his full quota of 4 overs. Dhawal Kulkarni also played a crucial role, claiming 2 wickets for 41 runs.

Match Score Summary:

India Capitals: 185/5 (Ben Dunk 60 off 35 balls; Colin de Grandhomme 31* off 23 balls; Samiullah Shinwari 2/27) won by 1 run against

Toyam Hyderabad: 184/7 (George Worker 52 off 43 balls; Peter Trego 38 off 18 balls; Rahul Sharma 2/21).