Leo Lions stake a claim in semi-finals beating Libra Legends

Leo Lions 201-3 (Marshall 64) beat
Libra Legends 190-6 (ten Doeschate 67) by 11 runs
15th match, Masters Champions League, Sharjah

Leo Lions successfully managed to overcome some powerful hitting from Ryan ten Doeschate and Ian Buttler to defend 201 by 11 runs and qualify for the semi-finals of the Masters Champions League tournament.

Legends who remained winless in the tournament decided to field first on winning the toss. Leo Lions managed 48 runs in the powerplay despite the loss of Neil Carter (23).

A 69-run stand between Hamish Marshall (64) and Brendan Taylor (26) laid the platform for the Lions.

Even though they fell in quick succession, Scott Styirs (45 not out) and James Franklin (28 not out) ensured Lions reached 201 with their 82-run stand. 

During the chase, Legends found themselves in trouble at 67 for three but a 59-run stand between ten Doeschate (67) and Simon Katich (20) kept them in the hunt.

Ten Doeschate reached his fifty off 28 deliveries with he and Buttler (31 not out) brought down the target to 57 runs off 18 deliveries. 

Despite being on the expensive side, Kyle Jarvis (2-45) held his nerve to dismiss both the set batsmen in 18th and 20th over to ensure a 11-run win for the Lions.

They will now face Virgo Super Kings in the semi-finals on 12th February. 

© Cricket World 2016