New Delhi: In the latest match of the Legends League Cricket, the Southern Super Stars emerged victorious with a 42-run win over the Manipal Tigers on Tuesday, October 1, at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat. The star of the match was none other than New Zealand's Martin Guptill, who unleashed a display of heroic batting to lead his team to victory.
After being sent in to bat first, the Southern Super Stars capitalised on Martin Guptill’s explosive knock of 68 off 29 balls with eight fours and four sixes. Guptill went hell for leather, smashing every bowler, with Dan Christian taking the full onslaught of his power-hitting.
Dan Christian bowled only one over in the game, losing 30 runs as Martin Guptill flexed his muscles. The kiwi batter smashed four consecutive sixes off the game, beginning the 9th over with a flat six over deep mid-wicket and never letting go of his lines with the type of destructive over ensued.
Over came Martin Guptill raising his fifty in style as he smashed a six over deep square leg and set the crowd off again. He continued his rampage with another massive six over deep mid-wicket-three in a row and now he is on a helpless ride for the bowlers.
Guptill saved the best for last, smashing the fourth six of the over straight over long on, shattering the window of the commentary box. The sheer power left everyone stunned, with the Tigers’ dugout visibly impressed, while captain Harbhajan Singh stood in disbelief at the spectacle.
MARTIN GUPTILL BROKE COMM BOX WINDOW.
– Vintage Guptill in LLC, 68 in just 29 balls. pic.twitter.com/VTWnB1FpVH
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 1, 2024
When you need hard hats in the @llct20 comms box because Martin Guptill is in window smashing form pic.twitter.com/X40twuAkMT
— Georgie Heath️ (@GeorgieHeath27) October 1, 2024
With this victory, Southern Super Stars (SSS) have cemented their spot at the top of the table, securing four consecutive wins. Meanwhile, the Manipal Tigers remain in fifth place, still in search of their first win in the tournament.
After being overlooked for the playing XI during the 2023 World Cup, Martin Guptill chose to opt out of New Zealand’s central contract. Shortly afterward, on November 26, he announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career.