LLC Masters: Gautam Gambhir hammers three half-centuries in a row displaying top form for India Maharajas

India Maharajas skipper Gautam Gambhir registered his third half-century in the ongoing LLC Masters, guiding his side to a thumping 10-wicket victory over Asia Lions. The two sides locked horns in the fourth match of the league at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium in Doha on Tuesday, March 14.

Stalwarts Gambhir and Robin Uthappa’s spectacular show helped the side crush Asia Lions to clinch a resounding win. The opening pair stitched a dominating 159-run partnership to comfortably chase Lions’ 157 as Uthappa clobbered an unconquered 88 off 39 balls which included 11 boundaries and five maximums. On the other hand, Gambhir hammered an unbeaten 61 off 36 balls which included 12 boundaries to his name.

Impressively, the southpaw’s purple patch with the bat continued as he registered his third half-century this season in the ongoing league. Gambhir top-scored for his side against Asia Lions in the first match amassing 54 runs and followed it with a score of 68 runs off 42 balls against World Giants in the second outing.

India Maharajas earn first win in LLC Masters

Electing to field first in their third game, Gambhir-led India Maharajas restricted Asia Lions to 157 runs in their stipulated 20 overs of the contest. The opening pair of Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan put up a 73-run partnership to hand Lions a decent head start. 

However, that seemed to be the only highlight in their innings as Tharanga was sent packing for 69 runs whereas Dilshan was dismissed for 32 runs. Meanwhile, Suresh Raina got two scalps to his name whereas Pravin Tambe, Harbhajan Singh, and Stuart Binny got one wicket each.

In response to the total, Gambhir and Uthappa’s brutal knocks saw them comfortably chase down the total with 45 balls remaining in the contest. In addition to this, Uthappa was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his 39-ball 88*. India Maharajas play their final group fixture against World Giants on Wednesday, March 15.