Lendl Simmons the former West Indies opener and T20 World Cup hero, made a scintillating return to the cricket field in the Legend 90 League, leading Delhi Royals to a commanding 41-run victory over Rajasthan Kings.
Explosive Opening Partnership Sets the Tone for Delhi Royals
In his first outing of the season, Simmons was nothing short of spectacular, producing a match-winning performance with an explosive 87 from just 39 balls, hammering 12 boundaries and four sixes. Paired with India’s opening stalwart Shikhar Dhawan, the duo set the stage for a dominant innings with a blazing 60-run partnership off just 31 balls, guiding Delhi Royals to a formidable 195/3 in their allotted 90 balls.
Simmons and Dhawan Complement Each Other in Style
Reflecting on his dynamic innings and the invaluable partnership with Dhawan, Simmons couldn’t hide his excitement:
“Opening with Shikhar Dhawan was a fantastic experience. He’s a world-class player, and together, we really complemented each other well. The Legend 90 League has been a great platform for competitive cricket, and it’s even more rewarding to start with a win for Delhi Royals.”
Angelo Perera’s Fireworks Power Royals to Big Total
Dhawan, known for his steady presence at the crease, was instrumental in the brisk start, while Angelo Perera’s unbeaten 54 off 24 balls further strengthened the Royals’ position. The total proved too much for Rajasthan Kings, who were restricted to 154/4, thanks to a fine three-wicket haul from Bipul Sharma (3/18), sealing Delhi Royals’ first victory of the tournament.
Simmons’ Love for Indian Conditions Shines Through
For Simmons, returning to India was a moment of personal joy, especially with the familiar conditions that helped fuel his fiery innings. The West Indies cricketer, a key figure in the 2016 T20 World Cup-winning team, spoke fondly about playing in India:
“It’s always special being back in India. The conditions here really suit my game, and it’s a pleasure to be back.”
Adapting Quickly to the 90-Ball Format
The Legend 90 League’s unique 90-ball format posed a new challenge for Simmons, but the experienced opener adapted swiftly. Reflecting on the adjustment, he noted:
“The 90-ball format is definitely different, and it took a bit of time to get used to. But like T20 cricket, it’s about adjusting quickly, and I’m glad I was able to pace my innings well.”
Delhi Royals Eye Continued Success After First Victory
With their first victory in the bag and momentum on their side, Delhi Royals will look to carry this winning streak forward as the tournament progresses.
