League: Cricket
Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Robin Uthappa played a stunning innings for Chicago CC in the 7th match of the National Cricket League (NCL) T10 in the USA. Uthappa’s powerful knocks have sent a strong message to the other teams in the NCL 2024. Their 41-run victory over the Texas Gladiators underscores their dominance in the league.
Uthappa, known for his aggressive stroke play, smashed a blistering half-century, scoring 66 runs off just 27 balls. His knock was laced with five fours and seven towering sixes, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 244.44. His powerful innings helped Chicago CC lay a strong foundation against Texas Gladiators.
Opening alongside Uthappa was Australian power-hitter Chris Lynn, who also contributed a fiery half-century of his own. Lynn, who scored 60 runs from just 23 deliveries, struck three fours and cleared the ropes seven times. His strike rate of 260.87 further added to the Texas Gladiators’ woes. Lynn remained unbeaten, and his explosive partnership with Uthappa completely took the game away from the Gladiators.
The opening pair of Uthappa and Lynn proved unstoppable as they built a jaw-dropping partnership of 112 runs in just 38 balls. Their combined firepower helped Chicago CC pile up a massive total of 173 runs in their allotted 10 overs. The Texas Gladiators bowlers had no answers to their relentless onslaught, as Chicago CC posted a daunting target, setting the stage for a challenging chase.
In response, Texas Gladiators put up a valiant effort but fell short by 41 runs. They managed to score 132 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 10 overs. Despite a spirited fight from James Fuller, who top-scored for the Gladiators with an aggressive 37 off just 13 balls, the team couldn’t match Chicago CC’s high-flying total. Fuller’s innings briefly reignited hopes for the Gladiators, but they eventually ran out of steam.
While Uthappa and Lynn dominated with the bat, Chicago CC’s bowlers were also impressive, particularly Michael Leask, who delivered a match-winning performance. Leask claimed four crucial wickets in his three-over spell, breaking the back of the Gladiators’ chase. His bowling ensured that the Gladiators never gained the upper hand in their pursuit of the challenging target. For his outstanding all-round performance, Leask was named Player of the Match.