Leo Lions come from behind to seal 26-run victory

Leo Lions 156-8 (Botha 42no) beat
Capricorn Commanders 130-8 (Edwards 4-33) by 26 runs
Second match, Masters Champions League, Dubai

A spirited 66-run partnership between Johan Botha and James Franklin followed by a four-wicket haul from Fidel Edwards allowed Leo Lions to come from behind and secure a 26-run victory over Capricorn Commanders in the second game of the Masters Champions League (MCL).

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Leo Lions lost both their openers inside four overs and were restricted to 26 for two.

Robin Peterson's (9) promotion to number three didn't pay dividends as he was caught behind off Abdul Razzaq (1-11).

Brian Lara (8) announced his arrival with a six but was out the very next ball foxed by Upul Chandana (1-20). 

Jeetan Patel (2-24) struck twice in the 12th over to dismiss Brendan Taylor (24) and Scott Styris (0) in successive deliveries to leave the Lions reeling at 85 for six.

However, Botha (42 not out) and Franklin (31) provided the much needed respite for Lions with their 66-run stand to take them to 149 for six in 19 overs.

Despite two wickets in the final over from Rory Kleinveldt (2-18), Botha ensured Leo Lions finished their innings at 156 for seven in their 20 overs.

Ashwell Prince (34) and Andrew Symonds (21) provided Capricorn Commanders a promising start, racing to 50 for naught in the powerplay. 

But Lions came back hard to dismiss both the set batsmen in successive deliveries to restrict Capricorn Commanders to 69 for two in 10 overs.

A couple of quiet overs from Scott Styris (2-14) and Robin Peterson (0-19) pushed the required run rate past 10 which allowed Botha (1-22) to dismiss Chamara Silva (7).

With 52 runs needed of the final four overs, Lions lost five wickets in three overs while scoring just 15 in it allowing the game to drift away from them.

Commanders managed only 130 for eight in their 20 overs falling short of the target by 27 runs.

Edwards was the pick of the Leo Lions bowlers with his four-wicket haul while Styris managed two wickets with an economy of 3.50.

Botha was awarded the man of the match for his all-round performance.

© Cricket World 2016