Jaffna Kings vs Kandy Falcons Match Report
In a nail-biting encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the Jaffna Kings clinched a dramatic four-wicket victory over the Kandy Falcons with seven balls to spare in the 15th match of the Lanka Premier League on July 13, 2024. Jason Behrendorff’s exceptional bowling performance, earning him the Player of the Match award, was pivotal in restricting the Falcons to a modest total in the rain-affected game.
Due to weather interruptions, the match was reduced to seven overs per side. Batting first, the Kandy Falcons managed to score 78/5 in their allotted seven overs. Dinesh Chandimal played a crucial role with a swift 21 off 13 balls, supported by Mohammad Haris, who blazed away to 30 off just 13 balls, including two boundaries and three sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 230.76.
However, the rest of the Falcons’ batting lineup struggled against the disciplined bowling attack of the Jaffna Kings. Jason Behrendorff led the charge with impressive figures of 3/10 from his two overs, removing key players Andre Fletcher, Mohammad Haris, and Dasun Shanaka. Asitha Fernando and Azmatullah Omarzai each picked up a wicket, further tightening the screws on the Falcons’ innings.
Chasing a target of 79 runs, the Jaffna Kings faced early setbacks but managed to recover and reach 79/6 in 5.5 overs. Angelo Mathews struck early blows, dismissing Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis cheaply. Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga also contributed with wickets, adding to the Falcons’ hopes.
Charith Asalanka anchored the innings with a blistering 26 off just 9 balls, including four towering sixes. His aggressive approach put the Kings in a commanding position before he was caught out by Mohammad Haris off Hasaranga’s bowling. Azmatullah Omarzai then played a crucial cameo, smashing 24 off 6 balls, with one four and three sixes, to steer the team to victory. Despite losing Avishka Fernando to a run-out just shy of the target, Omarzai’s explosive hitting ensured the Kings crossed the finish line.
Jason Behrendorff’s stellar bowling set the foundation for the Jaffna Kings’ win, while Azmatullah Omarzai’s late fireworks sealed the deal. Angelo Mathews was the standout bowler for the Falcons, picking up 2/22, but the collective effort of the Kings’ lineup outshone individual performances.
In a match where every ball counted, the Jaffna Kings showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, emerging victorious by four wickets. This win propels them further in the Lanka Premier League standings, as they continue to eye the coveted title. The Kandy Falcons, despite the loss, will look to regroup and bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.
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