B-Love Kandy won the Lanka Premier League 2023 title after defeating Dambulla Aura by 5 wickets in the final at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
Dambulla, who elected to bat first, was restricted by Kandy to 147-4 in their 20 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama top-scored for Aura with 36, while Chaturanga de Silva took 2-25.
Dambulla Aura were off to a good start, reaching 40-1 in the powerplay. However, they lost wickets at regular intervals after that and could score only 147.
In reply, Kandy reached their target with 19.5 overs to spare. Kamindu Mendis scored 44, and Angelo Mathews 25 not out to lead Kandy to victory. Noor Ahmad picked up 3 wickets for 27.
The win is Kandy’s first in the Lanka Premier League. They finished the league stage in third place, but they were in top form in the playoffs, beating Jaffna Kings and Galle Titans to reach the final.
Aura, will be disappointed with their performance in the final. They were on the top of the points table after league matches, but they were unable to replicate that form in the final.
The Lanka Premier League 2023 was a successful tournament, with some exciting cricket played. The final was a close affair, and it was a fitting end to a thrilling tournament.
Player of the Final Match: Angelo Mathews (Kandy)
Player of the Tournament: Wanindu Hasaranga (Kandy)
