'Should replace KL Rahul in Lucknow' - Gautam Gambhir scores back-to-back fifties in Legends League Cricket 2023

Gautam Gambhir (Image credit: Twitter)

World Giants registered a thrilling two-run win against India Maharajas in the second match of Legends League Cricket 2023 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha. Captain Aaron Finch and Shane Watson set the stage for a nail-biting contest with half-centuries for the Giants, while Maharajas skipper Gautam Gambhir played like a lone warrior in reply but fell short. Score: World Giants 166-8 (20.0), India Maharajas 164 -5 (20.0).

After winning the toss, Giants elected to bat first and their skipper led from the front with a 31-ball 53 including seven fours and three sixes. His opening partner Chris Gayle was sent back to the pavilion by former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh for four runs. But the former Australian captain continued his power-hitting with his compatriot Watson and put up an 88-run partnership to post a respectable score on the board. There were not many contributions from the rest of the batters as opponent bowlers, especially Harbhajan (4-13), Pravin Tambe (2-17), and Irfan Pathan (1-34) tighten the screws after Watson's departure in the 13th over.

Gautam Gambhir's brilliant knock goes in vain

Chasing 167 runs, the opening pair of Gambhir and Robin Uthappa put together a partnership of 65 runs in 6.2 overs for the Maharajas. However, after Uthappa's dismissal, none of the batters could support the skipper who scored a brilliant half-century. The former India opener scored a half-century in just 28 balls and ended up for 68 while almost taking his team home. Gambhir's team needed eight runs off the last over but former Australian speedster Brett Lee conceded just five runs to give the defending champions a successful start to the new season.

Meanwhile, India Maharajas started their campaign with two consecutive defeats. They lost by nine runs to Shahid Afridi's Asia Lions on Friday, where Gambhir again fought alone and remained on the losing side. Former Sri Lankan opening batter Upul Tharanga’s 40 off 39 and former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq’s 73 off 50 took the Lions to post a total of 165 runs. Chasing 166, Gambhir scored a 39-ball 54 but the rest of the batters failed to contribute in a last-over thriller as the Maharajas ended at 156/8.

Here's how Twitter reacted to Gambhir's quick-fire innings: 

Gambhir > Dhoni

— Jatin (@ja3kohli) March 11, 2023

still can't win 🤣

— 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙘𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙮 🇵🇰 (@CricCrazy__) March 11, 2023

Easy for Gautam Gambhir 🔥🔥🔥🔥

2* international world cup
2* IPL

The born Winner 🥳😍💪

— Johnny Wins 🔥🎯👑 (@Dick108inch) March 11, 2023

Gambhir's batting, Kaif's fielding, Tambe's bowling 🔥🔥🔥

— nidaa (@_nidaa1) March 11, 2023

Captain leading from the front ❤️

— Gauti Harshit Dhiman (@GautiDhiman) March 11, 2023

This inning alone is better than Thelas whole career

— Em!N€nt $oC!@li$t (@Insane__Emi) March 11, 2023

GG THE GOAT!

— Harshal (@Harshal54p) March 11, 2023

Should replace KL Rahul in LSG!

— Jagdish Paul ❤ (@Junior_J__) March 11, 2023

Better than Someone who scored 0(4) in the knockout.

— Gabbar (@befikar_dhawan) March 11, 2023

pic.twitter.com/EzG6g81W5B

— 🤞VISHAL🤞 (@visala_josi) March 11, 2023