Watch: Australia quick Brett Lee turned back the clock to defend eight runs in the final over against India Maharajas to guide his side into the final of the Legends League Cricket 2022.
Playing for the World Giants, Lee, arguably one of the most lethal bowlers in the world in his heyday, displayed that he still has it in him after sending down a sensational last over in the T20 game on Thursday. Chasing 229 for a spot in the final, India Maharajas lost early wickets, but a 103-run stand between Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan gave them a fighting chance. The odds were in their favour as the equation boiled down to eight needed off the last six balls, with Irfan, who was batting on 56 off 20 deliveries, on strike for the last over.
Lee was entrusted with the duties of sending down the final six balls of the match. Though he started off with a wide, he bounced back soon after, getting Irfan’s wicket as the batter looked to smash the fast bowler out of the park. Lee could have got two in two as Rajat Bhatia holed out but Morne Morkel failed to grab on to the catch at deep, but he ensured the pressure remained high as he executed a pair of full-length deliveries to perfection, ensuring that Aavishkar Salvi did not get off the strike in the next two balls.
Salvi was unable to get bat to ball in the third delivery that he faced as well, but Bhatia ran for a quick single hoping to face the last ball of the match. However, he was run out in the process, departing for 12 off eight. India Maharajas needed six off the last delivery, with Amit Bhandari on strike, but a wide yorker from Lee meant that they were unable to take a run, ensuring a five-run win for World Giants.
The Darren Sammy-led team will now face Asia Lions in the summit clash on Saturday.
Watch the final over by Brett Lee here:
Brett Lee defended 7 runs off 6 balls
Once a legend always a legend ⚡❤️@BrettLee_58 Love You😍🇵🇰#LegendsCricketLeague #Cricket pic.twitter.com/R7NQVnXNny— ▥Cricҟ🅴tl๏v🅴r (@Sportlovers123) January 27, 2022