Ambati Rayudu Praiseworthy act with Saeed Ajmal (Source: X)
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions to win the World Championship of Legends title at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham. Chasing a target of 157, India cruised to a win by five wickets. Ambati Rayudu was the hero of the remarkable win as he played an unbelievable knock of 50 in 30 balls to put India on top. The cameo of 30 in 16 balls by Yousuf Pathan took India over the line. India got off to a good start but lost Robin Uthappa and Suresh Raina inside the powerplay. The pitch was not easy to bat and another wicket in the powerplay could have put India under massive pressure, however, Rayudu along with Gurkeerat Mann (34) kept the innings afloat and got India close to the target.
Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu during his stay at the crease did a praise-worthy act. Rayudu was batting with Gurkeerat Man when Saeed Ajmal came to bowl. Mann was on strike and pushed a delivery back to Ajmal who fell down after a mini collision with Rayudu as the ball sneaked through his hand towards long. There was an easy single available but Rayudu denied taking it which earned him praise from the commentators as well.
Rayudu was out soon after reaching the fifty-run mark, however, he had put India well on top before his departure. Earlier, Pakistan were rattled by a stunning show by Indian bowlers as the Men in Green could only score 156/6. None of the Pakistan Champions batters could stay long at the crease. A decent innings from Shoaib Malik, who scored 41, and a cameo of 19 in nine balls by Sohail Tanvir helped Pakistan cross the 150-run mark.
Rayudu was given the Player of the Match award for his stunning show with the bat while Yousuf Pathan, who scored 221 runs for India in the tournament, was given the Player of the Series award.
