Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan smashed 80 off just 40 balls with five sixes and nine fours to lift India Maharajas to a six-wicket win over Asia Lions in their opening match of the Legends League Cricket in Muscat on Thursday (January 20). The Indian side won by 6 wickets with Yusuf Pathan and Mohammad Kaif stitching together a match-winning partnership.
The Pathan brothers have rolled back the years as a stellar knock from Yusuf and an all-round display from Irfan have helped the Maharajas open its campaign on a high. Not to forget the gritty knock from skipper Kaif who held one end brilliantly with an unbeaten 42 in the chase.
During the run-chase, India Maharajas completely lost their way at top with score reading 34/3 in 6.1 overs, with Shoaib Akhtar bowling superbly inside the powerplay. The match looked almost done and dusted and this is when Yusuf Pathan walked out to bat who completely turned the game on its head. Irfan Pathan (21* off 10) played a crucial cameo, it was eventually Mohammad Kaif (42* off 37) who completed the job leading from the front, taking his side over the line.