[Watch] Unmukt Chand sizzles with match-winning half-century in LAKR-SOR MLC 2024 clash

[Credit: @LA_KnightRiders] Chand's half-century kept LAKR's playoff hopes alive

Delhi-born batter Unmukt Chand scored a crucial half-century to help the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) pull off a pivotal four-wicket win over Seattle Orcas (SOR) in the Major League Cricket (MLC) at Morrisville on Wednesday, July 17. Chasing 143 for victory on a tricky surface, the 31-year-old smashed three delightful boundaries and as many maximums in his 47-ball 62.

Walking in at 13/1 in the third over, Chand was dismissed when LAKR were within touching distance of victory at 23 needed off 20 deliveries.

Here is a highlights video of Chand's sparkling knock with his interview:

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It was Chand's second half-century of the 2024 MLC season, taking his overall tally to 149 runs at an average of almost 30 and a strike rate of 122.13 in five outings. He is also the fourth-leading run-scorer in the competition.

The win was crucial for LAKR to stay in contention for a top-four finish and playoff qualification. They are currently in the fourth spot with 5 points from six games and a game remaining.

"It was a very important win for us" - Unmukt Chand

Unmukt Chand was delighted with his half-century in a must-win encounter for LAKR against SOR. The LAKR bowlers maintained tremendous discipline to restrict SOR to a below-par 142/6 in 20 overs before Chand's batting heroics.

Four bowlers picked up a wicket each for LAKR with the bonus of the two run-outs of the South African pair - Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen.

After the match, Chand spoke about his knock and the win, saying:

"It was a very important win for us, we had to win to stay in the tournament, thankfully we did that. We bowled well to restrict them for 142 and we had regular partnerships, sort of everyone chipped in, took us over the rope. I was keeping for twenty overs, got an idea of the wicket. It got better and it was important to keep the accelerator on."

"All games for us now are like final games, we have to win. We have been playing well and unfortunately results haven't gone our way. Hopefully we keep our momentum going into Dallas as well," he added.

Chand and LAKR will be back in action for their final round-robin game against defending champions MI New York in Dallas on Sunday, July 21.