Watch: Former New Zealand star hammers 34 runs in a single over with 6,6,6,4,6,6 in LLC 2024

Martin Guptill delivered a breathtaking performance in the Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2024, lighting up the Lalabhai Contractor Stadium in Surat with an explosive display of batting on Wednesday. Representing Southern Super Stars, Guptill smashed 34 runs in a single over, including five sixes and a four, against Konark Suryas Odisha’s Navin Stewart during the final over of the powerplay. His incredible knock helped the Southern Super Stars secure a comfortable 7-wicket victory.

Sensational hitting by Guptill

The onslaught began with Guptill launching the ball over deep mid-wicket for a six, followed by another over the head of the deep square leg fielder. He then sent the ball flying over sweeper cover for a third six, before taking a break with a four. Undeterred, Guptill added two more sixes off the last two balls, bringing the crowd to its feet. He remained unbeaten on a sensational 131 off just 54 balls, playing a pivotal role in his team's successful chase of a 193-run target.

Earlier, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Konark Suryas Odisha had posted a challenging total of 192/9 in their 20 overs. Openers Richard Levi and Jesse Ryder gave their team a strong start with a 76-run partnership for the first wicket. Levi was particularly aggressive, blasting 63 from 21 balls before falling to Subodh Bhati. Ryder struggled to find his rhythm, managing only 18 from 18 balls.

The middle-order contribution came from Yusuf Pathan, who played a quick-fire knock of 33 from 22 balls, while skipper Irfan Pathan chipped in with 10 runs off 10 deliveries. Towards the end, Dilshan Munaweera (16 from 13) and Vinay Kumar (18* from 13) helped Konark Suryas Odisha reach a competitive total.

Southern Super Stars’ bowling was led by Subodh Bhati, who impressed with figures of 3-22 in his three overs. Chathuranga de Silva also made an impact, taking 2-21 from his four overs. Other bowlers contributed effectively as Abdur Razzak (1-33), Monu Kumar Singh (1/36), and Pawan Negi (1-26) picked up a wicket each.

Southern Super Stars' brilliant chase??

In response, Southern Super Stars started their chase with a 33-run stand between skipper Shreevats Goswami and Guptill before Goswami was dismissed for 19 from 15 balls. Guptill then found solid support in Hamilton Masakadza, who contributed 20 runs off 17 balls. Together, they stitched a crucial 90-run partnership for the second wicket, which kept Southern Super Stars on track.

As the chase progressed, Guptill reached his century, finishing the match with a blistering 131 not out. Pawan Negi, who joined him towards the end, also remained unbeaten on 15 from 11 balls, sealing the victory with ease.

For Konark Suryas Odisha, Ben Laughlin (1-27) and Pravin Tambe (1-39) were the only bowlers to claim wickets. However, their efforts were not enough to stop Southern Super Stars from claiming their fifth consecutive win, keeping them firmly on top of the LLC 2024 points table.

Southern Super Stars, captained by Goswami, will next face Toyam Hyderabad in the 16th match of the season on October 5, continuing their campaign in the tournament with confidence.

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