In the second-last fixture, Asia Lions defeated India Maharajas by a massive margin of 85 runs, with Upul Tharanga and Mohammad Hafeez dominating the proceedings. Batting first, the Lions posted an enormous total of 191/5 in 20 overs. Tharanga top scored with 50 off 31, while Hafeez smashed 38 off 24. Asghar Afghan (34 not out), Tillakaratne Dilshan (27 off 26), and Thisara Perera (24 off 12) also chipped in with valuable contributions to the team’s total.
In response, India Legends got bundled out for 106, courtesy of a fine bowling display from Sohail Tanvir (2/25), Abdur Razzak (2/27) and Hafeez (2/21). India skipper Gautam Gambhir was the top scorer for his team. Gambhir smashed 32 off 17 but didn’t get enough support as the Maharajas fell 85 runs short of the total.
After the game, Asia Lions skipper Shahid Afridi, who took one wicket in the match, won so many hearts with his warming gesture of signing the Indian flag upon request of a fan. In a video shared by the official Twitter handle of Pakistan cricket, a fan can be seen requesting Afridi for an autograph on the Indian flag.
The former Pakistan skipper respectfully held the India Tricolour and gave an autograph to the fan. The video of the heartening incident became an instant hit among the fans and followers of the game as they showered praises on the Pakistan legend for his brilliant gesture.
Here is the video:
For the unversed, the final of LLC Masters 2023 will be played between the Afridi-led Asia Lions and Shane Watson’s World Giants.
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