World Giants stop India Maharajas by two runs in Doha

By Aijaz Khokhar
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DOHA, QATAR: World Giants pulled off a thrilling two run win over India Maharajas in the second match of the Skyexch.net LLC Masters at the Asia Town Cricket Stadium in Doha. The edge of the seat thriller followed after World Giants had posted 166 for 8 in 20 overs riding on skipper Aaron Finch’s 53 off 31 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes and Shane Watson’s 55 runs off 32 balls with five boundaries and three sixes.

A captain’s knock of 68 from Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh’s four wicket spell for 13 runs for Indian Maharajas, unfortunately, went in vain. It was Gambhir’s second consecutive half century after his 54 against Asia Lions in the opener and his 68 in this match came off 42 balls with nine boundaries and one six. With eight runs needed off the last over, Brett Lee gave away just five runs to give the defending champions World Giants a winning start.
Earlier, World Giants won the toss and elected to bat. ‘The Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, who opened with his skipper Aaron Finch.

In the last over, India Maharajas needed eight runs off six balls. Stuart Binny pulled Lee to Powell for 2 to make it seven runs off three balls. With five runs needed off the last ball, Pathan could get only two runs. Lee gave just five runs in the last over to seal his team’s victory.
Match summary;
World Giants beat India Maharajas by two runs. World Giants 166 for 8 in 20 overs (Aaron Finch 53, Shane Watson 55, Harbhajan Singh 4 for 13, Pravin Tambe 2 for 17)
India Maharajas 164 for 5 in 20 overs (Robin Uthappa 29, Gautam Gambhir 68, Mohammad Kaif 21 n.o, Ricardo Powell 2 for 16).
Player of the Match: Aaron Finch
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