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Lendl Simmons’ remarkable performance ended in disappointment as the Gujarat Giants secured a thrilling three-run victory over the Bhilwara Kings in the fourth match of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) at the JSCA Cricket Stadium.
In response to Chris Gayle’s explosive innings in the first half, Simmons, his former Caribbean teammate, played exceptionally well, scoring 99 runs. However, his efforts fell short as the match went down to the wire.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Bhilwara Kings witnessed an early breakthrough with Jacques Kallis departing for 14 runs. Chris Gayle’s aggressive batting propelled the score, but Rahul Sharma’s delivery trapped him LBW, limiting his innings to 52 runs off 27 balls. Subsequent dismissals included Richard Levi (28), Kevin O’Brien (11), and Parthiv Patel (8), leaving the team struggling at 121/5. A partnership between Abhishek Jhunjhunwala and Chirag Khurana pushed the total to 172/6 in 20 overs.
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Chasing 173, Bhilwara Kings faced an early setback with Solomon Mire and Tillakaratne Dilshan departing early. Lendl Simmons and Robin Bist tried to stabilize the innings with a 45-run partnership, but wickets continued to fall at crucial moments. Despite Simmons’ valiant 99 off 61 balls, wickets fell steadily, leading to a tense final over where Sreesanth defended 14 runs, restricting Bhilwara Kings to 167/7.
Simmons’ knock, comprising 12 boundaries and three sixes, went in vain as the Giants held their nerve to secure the win. Jessel Karia’s contribution of 10 runs wasn’t enough to turn the tide in Bhilwara Kings’ favor. Rayad Emrit and Ishwar Chaudhary claimed two wickets each for the Giants.
