Franklin, bowlers steers Leo Lions to finals

Leo Lions 139-7 (Franklin 65no) beat
Virgo Super Kings 122-9 (Smith 39) by 17 runs
Semi-Final, Masters Champions League, Dubai

James Franklin scored an unbeaten 65 to rescue the Leo Lions after which their bowlers successfully defended 139 by 17 runs to defeat Virgo Super Kings in semi-final of the Masters Champions League in Dubai.

Now the Leo Lions will take on the Gemini Arabians on Saturday in the finals.

Earlier the skipper of Leo Lions won the toss and decided to bat first. Their batting collapse continued to haunt the Leo Lions against the Virgo Super Kings as they lost three wickets in the powerplay with the score reading 39.

Lara (11) had another quiet game and with the dismissal of Scott Styris (4), Leo Lions were reeling at 72 for five in the 14th over.

However, Franklin (65 not out) added 40 runs with Johan Botha (11) and another 27 with Robin Peterson (11) to take the total to 139 for seven in the 20 overs.

Brett Lee (3-31) was the pick of the Super Kings bowlers with a three-wicket haul.

In the chase except for a fighting knock from the skipper Graeme Smith (39), the rest of the batsmen struggled to get going for the Super Kings.

Hasan Raza (19) was the next highest individual score in the innings but his knock came at the strike-rate of 65 as the Leo Lions bowlers looked firmly in control of the game.

The Super Kings managed only 122 for nine in their 20 overs handing a 17-run victory to Leo Lions and a place in the finals of the Masters Champions League.

Franklin was rightfully awarded the man of the match for his unbeaten knock of 65.

© Cricket World 2016