Warne’s boys claim first win in All Stars series

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting struck an unbeaten 48 to steer Shane Warne's Warriors to a six-wicket victory over Sachin Tendulkar's Blasters in the first of three Cricket All Stars matches that will be played in the USA.

Played at a baseball ground in the New York, the series features legends of the game such as Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara and Wasim Akram.

The Blasters batted first and posted a score of 140 for eight in their 20 overs. Former India opener Virender Sehwag blasted 55 from just 22 balls while Tendulkar himself contributed 26.

Warne showed that he is still as crafty as ever as he recorded figures of three for 20 in his four overs of legspin while former Aussie allrounder Andrew Symonds took three for 15.

The Warriors were in early trouble in the chase as they lost openers Kallis and Matthew Hayden with only 22 runs on the board.

Ponting and Sangakkara (41) resurrected the chase with a stand of 80 for the third wicket that virtually sealed the match, with Jonty Rhodes (20*) not out at the end with Ponting.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar showed that he can still trouble the batsmen with his pace, claiming the wickets of Kallis and Sangakkara.

The second match of the series takes place in Houston on Wednesday.

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