A brilliant performance by skipper Irfan Pathan helped Bhilwara Kings defeat defending champions India Capitals in the opening match of the second edition of Legends League Cricket (LLC) at JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Saturday night.

This victory also helped Bhilwara Kings take sweet revenge for their defeat by India Capitals in the finals of the first edition of the LLC last year.

Irfan also deserved a special mention because while chasing a target of 229 runs, was vulnerably placed at 186 for 7 in the 17th over of the Twenty20 match. Irfan's 65 runs off 19 balls sealed a 3-wicket victory.

Earlier, the Kings had won the toss and invited the opponents to bat.

Though Hasim Alma (3) was dismissed when Indian Capitals had only 12 runs to their kitty, skipper Gautam Gambhir with Kirk Edwards added 107 runs during their second wicket partnership.

While Gautam contributed 63 runs off 35 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes, Edwards bagged 59 runs in 31 balls with 5 fours and 4 sixes.

Among other batters, Ben Dunk scored 37 runs off 16 balls and Ashley Nurse had 34 off 20 balls that helped Indian Capitals bag 228 runs for 8 wickets at the end of 20 overs.

Among Bhilwara Kings bowlers, Anureet Singh took 4 wickets in as many overs for 29 runs.

Chasing the target, Bhilwara Kings did a rather discouraging start when Lendl Simmons and Tilakratne Dilshan got out for 11 and 1 respectively at an early stage.

"It was nice to see the veterans performing well but I wish there were more spectators to share this experience," a reporter covering the match said, pointing to a rather poor turnout in the galleries.