In this article, we will look into the LPL 2024 match reports of two exciting encounters. The second match saw the Galle Marvels clinch a thrilling victory over the Jaffna Kings, while the third match featured a showdown between the Colombo Strikers and the Kandy Falcons. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the key moments, standout performances, and overall match dynamics from both games.
LPL 2024 Match 2: Marvels vs Kings Match Report
In the nail-biting affair, Galle Marvels pulled off a five-wicket win over Jaffna Kings in the second match of the Lanka Premier League at Pallekele. Chasing a target of 178 and with no balls to spare, Galle did get to the target through a stellar performance from Alex Hales, adjudged Player of the Match, where he scored 65 off 47 balls.
Thanks to Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, the Jaffna Kings made a fighting total of 177/7 in their 20 overs. The quickfire 51 off 33 balls by Nissanka was embellished with six boundaries and two sixes to lay a fine foundation for the Kings. Avishka Fernando’s 59 off 48 balls, though on the slower side during a 122.91 strike rate, was good for stability in middle overs.
Charith Asalanka added a brisk 33 off just 15 balls that took Jaffna close towards a big score, but the Kings got just the opposite as they struggled for quick runs in the final overs on losing key wickets. Zahoor Khan bowled well for Galle with 3 for 34 while Pretorius and Isuru Udana picked up two each with the latter once again proving quite expensive with figures of 2 for 60 in his 4 overs.
For the Galle Marvels, skipper Niroshan Dickwella and Alex Hales got off to a rollicking start with an opening stand of 66 runs. Dickwella hit a brisk 47 off 27 balls with eight boundaries and a six as he set the tone for the run-chase. The other opener, Alex Hales, held one end together with his own composed 65 off 47 balls, studded with seven fours and two sixes.
Then, wickets fell at regular intervals and made the chase tight. Fabian Allen of Jaffna bowled remarkably, taking two important wickets which included Hales and Tim Seifert and ended with figures of 2 for 33. Asitha Fernando chipped in with two wickets but his 4 overs went for 40 runs.
Galle needed 33 runs off the last three overs, and the match rolled its course. Then, Janith Liyanage’s quickfire 25 off 13 balls brought them within reach of the equation. Finally, in the last over, Dwaine Pretorius and Sahan Arachchige held their nerves, with Pretorius scoring a key six to bring Galle really close to the target. Arachchige sealed the deal with a four on the last ball, remaining unbeaten at 179/5.
LPL 2024 Match 3: Falcons vs Strikers Match Report
The third match of the Lanka Premier League was between the Kandy Falcons and the Colombo Strikers, which turned out in a 51-run victory for the latter at Pallekele. Shahadab Khan’s fine all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award as he helped with the bat; he contributed significantly.
Batting first, the Colombo Strikers posted a strong 198/7 in their 20 overs. Though losing Shevon Daniel quite early, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave the innings a flying start with a 10-ball 17 before getting dismissed at the hands of Dushmantha Chameera. Muhammad Waseem took the charge and scored a rapid 32 off 18 balls with two fours and two sixes. However, he was trapped lbw by Wanindu Hasaranga.
Sadeera Samarawickrama led the way from the beginning, with an excellent 48 of 26 balls, with seven fours and one six. He eventually fell to Agha Salman, and for a short time, Colombo lost momentum. Thisara Perera and Shadab Khan ensured the ship didn’t go down too much with their knocks of 38 and 20, respectively. The final flourish of the innings came from Chamika Karunaratne’s unbeaten 25 off 10 balls in the death overs as Colombo reached a par score.
The Kandy Falcons bowling attack, though mixed, had Wanindu Hasaranga as the pick of the bowlers with 2/30. Kasun Rajitha and Agha Salman too chipped in with wickets when required. The former, while picking up 2 wickets, was expensive with 56 runs against his name in his spell.
Chasing 199, Kandy Falcons had gotten off to a decent start with Dinesh Chandimal chiming in with 38 off 26 and, more importantly, Andre Fletcher chipping in with a quick 24 off 12. Though bowlers for Colombo – led by Shadab Khan continued their brilliant work at the wicket. He simply showed outstanding bowling and was cheered for figures of 4/22, ultimately disintegrating Kandy’s middle order.
Dunith Wellalage, though, was also at the front foot of the attack and bagged 4 wickets for 20 runs that included some big wickets like Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka. Other than Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga, who fought a bit and scored 25 each, none could put up a strong brick for an imposing total. Eventually, the Kandy Falcons were bowled out for 147 in 15.5 overs, falling short by 51 runs.
Though a fine performance by Colombo Strikers, still Shadab Khan’s all-round display came as the standout feature. His exhibitions of 20 runs off 17 balls and match winning 4/22 with the ball ensured a memorable win for his side. It was a win which pushed the Colombo Strikers in the Lanka Premier League, showing them good in both the departments of batting as well as bowling.
Also, see:
Lanka Premier League 2024 Live-Streaming Details: Where to Watch LPL 2024?
