Leicestershire Foxes defeated Sussex in a thrilling encounter in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, with the spectacular partnership of Peter Handscomb and Ajinkya Rahane. The top-order Australian batter, who later opened up about the pivotal role the Indian veteran played in their match-winning stand, complemented Ajinkya Rahane.
While Leicestershire started off well, they soon lapsed, losing wickets in a heap. This is where the partnership between Handscomb and Rahane proved crucial as they steadied the ship and eventually made sure that their team put on 363/7 at the end of the allotted 50 overs. Handscomb batted with a lot of purpose and got an influential 119 off 80 balls, referring to his calmness and support at the other end from Rahane, with whom he first added 146.
“He kept me calm at the other end. We knew we could launch at the back end, and we scored over 100 runs together. It was beautiful to bat with him,” Peter Handscomb told BBC Radio.
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The veteran Indian batter brought in that much-needed experience onto the crease, and he was a support that allowed Handscomb to stay aggressive in his natural game. Not just the cool approach of Rahane toward the situation; 36-year-old also added a good half-century to complement the explosive innings of Handscomb.
🗣️ “It was 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗨𝗟 to bat with him.”
Hundred hero Peter Handscomb on his 146-run stand with @ajinkyarahane88. 🇦🇺🤝🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/KG8RYWNLuG
— Leicestershire Foxes 🦊 (@leicsccc) August 5, 2024
Obviously, the duo of batsmen was changing ends without fuss, rotating strike almost after every two deliveries, and coming up with acceleration whenever needed. This is a clear sign of great synergy and cricketing intelligence.
In response, though Sussex put on a good head, it was a great hundred from Tom Haines, but Leicestershire had built up an imposing first-inning total that was just too much to chase, resulting in a 10-run win for the foxes.
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Despite the tiny hiccup they suffered at the hands of Warwickshire, Rahane has consistently performed well for his county. They included an excellent fifty against Nottinghamshire and, of course, the vital 37 made against Essex. The latest 68 against Sussex he scored underlines his invaluable presence in the team, proving his mettle and importance to Leicestershire’s campaign in the tournament.
