Sangakkara was named Man of the Match for his fantastic innings of 86

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara smashed a spectacular 86 as the Gemini Arabians demolished the Libra Legends by 78 runs in the first match of the inaugural edition of the Masters Champions League (MCL).

Legends captain Jacques Kallis would have been brooding over his decision to bowl first as the Arabians got off to a solid start before losing skipper Virender Sehwag for 21.

Richard Levi and Sangakkara took over from that point, with the former smashing 62 off 43 balls, which included four boundaries and three sixes.

Levi walloped four boundaries and three sixes during his knock of 62

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Despite Levi’s dismissal, Sangakkara continued to take the attack to the Legends and ended up making 86 off 43 deliveries, which included six boundaries and seven sixes.

Thanks to Brad Hodge’s quickfire 46 towards the end, the Arabians finished on 234/3 off their 20 overs.

Ian Butler, Brad Hogg and Ryan ten Doeschate picked up one wicket apiece.

Chasing a mammoth total of 235 to win, ten Doeschate was the only batsman to have a major impact for the Legends as he hammered 53 off 37 balls, which included three boundaries and a six.

Ten Doeschate scored a valiant 53

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With wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose and Sean Ervine being the only other batsmen to surpass the 20-run mark, the Legends came nowhere close to reaching their target as they were restricted to 156/8 off their 20 overs.

Kyle Mills, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and Muttiah Mualitharan took two wickets apiece, while Justin Kemp claimed one.

Sangakkara was named Man of the Match.