The Asia Lions emerged victorious over the Indian Maharajas by a narrow nine-run margin, thanks to a strong batting performance by Misbah-ul-Haq and a powerful bowling attack led by Sohail Tanvir in the opening match of the Legend League Cricket Masters. 

Batting first, the Lions were struggling at 18/2 after losing the early wickets of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Asghar Afghan inside the powerplay. 

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However, Misbah and Upul Tharanga put on a crucial 108-run partnership for the third wicket to steady the innings. 

The 48-year-old, then added another important partnership with skipper Shahid Afridi before being dismissed for 73 off 50 balls, including two fours and four massive sixes. The Lions ended up with a total of 165/6 in their 20 overs.

In response, the Maharajas could only manage 156/8, falling short by nine runs despite some crucial runs scored by skipper Gautam Gambhir who went on to score 39-ball 54 runs, including seven boundaries. 

Left-arm pacer, Sohail Tanvir, was the standout bowler for the Lions, picking up three wickets, while Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Thisara Perera, Dilshan, and Isuru Udana took one wicket each.

During the post-match presentation, Nikhil Chopra, the presenter, had a cheeky little chat with Misbah and stated, " Your team was in a spot of bother after you lost two early wickets." To which the right-hand batsman replied, "Nothing new for me."