Yusuf Pathan starred with the bat while Irfan shined with the ball in India Maharajas' 6-wicket victory.
Opting to bowl first, India Maharajas, led by Mohammad Kaif, restricted Asia Lions to 175/7. Irfan Pathan starred with the ball, claiming two wickets by conceding 22 runs in his four overs. Manpreet Gony (3-45) also returned with three scalps but he was a bit expensive with the ball.
For Asia Lions, Upul Tharanga was the top scorer with 46-ball 66 while skipper Misbah-ul-Haq slammed 30-ball 44.
In reply, India Maharajas were reduced 34/3 in 6.1 overs but the duo of captain Kaif and Yusuf Pathan pulled things back with a brilliant 117-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
In particular, Yusuf was severe on the opposition bowlers as he smashed 80 off 40 balls before getting run-out. His whirlwind knock was studded with 9 fours and 5 sixes.
After Yusuf’s dismissal, the pair of Kaif and Irfan Pathan ensured India Maharajas achieve the target without any further hiccup in 19.1 overs. While Kaif remained unbeaten on 42 off 37 balls, Irfan finished with 21 not out off 10 balls.
After the match, Kaif took to Twitter and shared a picture with Player-of-the-Match Yusuf, joking that both of them are ready for the next month’s IPL auction.
“IPL teams we are ready. DM before auction. Ek pe ek free wala option bhi hai ... @llct20”, Kaif tweeted.
Irfan Pathan also posted a video of his brother Yusuf and the latter can be heard saying he had only 3-4 net sessions before playing this match.