DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Former West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards fired Leo Lions to a handsome 26-run victory over Capricorn Commanders but captain Brian Lara failed, in their franchise’s opening game of the Masters Champions League here yesterday.
Opting to bat at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Lions raised 156 for eight off their 20 overs, with former Windies captain Lara managing only eight batting at number five.
However, the 33-year-old Edwards then claimed four for 33 to send Commanders slumping to 130 for eight off their 20 overs.
For Lions, number eight Johan Botha smashed a top score of 42 not out off 29 deliveries with three fours and two sixes while James Franklin stroked a run-a-ball 31.
The pair added 66 off 47 balls for the seventh wicket, a stand which revived the Lions innings which lay on the brink at 83 for six in the 12th over.
Fast bowler Rory Kleinveldt (2-18) and off-spinner Jeetan Patel (2-24) finished with two wickets apiece.
In reply, Commanders were coasting at 63 without loss in the ninth over after Ashwell Prince struck 34 and Andrey Symonds hit 21 at the top of the order.
When both fell in successive overs in the space of five balls, Commanders still managed to get up to 91 for two in the 14th over.
However, Edwards intervened to wreck the innings as six wickets fell for 39 runs.
Captain Paul Collingwood with 19 was the only other player to get into double figures.
