Galle Marvels vs Kandy Falcons Match Report
In a thrilling encounter at Dambulla, Galle Marvels triumphed over Kandy Falcons by six wickets in the ninth match of the Lanka Premier League on July 7, 2024. The match saw stellar performances, particularly from Isuru Udana, who was named Player of the Match for his crucial three-wicket haul.
Kandy Falcons batted first, posting a competitive total of 175 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings started poorly for Kandy, losing early wickets. Dinesh Chandimal fell for just 1 run, followed by Mohammad Haris who was dismissed without scoring, both falling victim to the sharp bowling of Isuru Udana and Maheesh Theekshana.
Andre Fletcher provided some resistance with a solid 50 off 36 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes. However, it was Wanindu Hasaranga who shone brightest for Kandy, smashing an unbeaten 65 off just 32 balls, featuring 7 fours and 3 sixes, to propel his team to a respectable total.
For Galle Marvels, Udana was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 30 in his 4 overs. Zahoor Khan also made significant contributions, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs. Despite some expensive spells, the Galle bowlers managed to contain the Kandy batsmen effectively.
Chasing 176 for victory, Galle Marvels started aggressively. Skipper Niroshan Dickwella hit a quickfire 12 off 6 balls before being caught by Fletcher off Shoriful Islam’s bowling. Alex Hales then took charge, scoring a blistering 38 off 19 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes. His departure left Galle at 91 for 2 in the 7th over. Tim Seifert then anchored the innings with a superb 82 not out off 49 balls, featuring 11 fours and 2 sixes. His steady yet aggressive batting ensured Galle remained on course.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa contributed 16 off 13 balls, and after a minor stutter with a few quick wickets, Janith Liyanage and Sahan Arachchige provided the final touches. Liyanage scored a brisk 11 before being stumped off Lakshan Sandakan, and Arachchige remained not out on 9.
Shoriful Islam was the standout bowler for Kandy, taking 2 wickets for 32 runs in his 4 overs. However, the rest of the Kandy bowlers struggled to contain the Galle batsmen, with Dasun Shanaka conceding 19 runs in his solitary over and Lakshan Sandakan giving away 46 runs for his single wicket.
Ultimately, Galle Marvels reached the target in just 17.1 overs, finishing at 176 for 4, securing a comfortable six-wicket victory with 17 balls to spare. This win highlighted their dominance and strategic prowess, reinforcing their strong standing in the Lanka Premier League.
Dambulla Sixers vs Colombo Strikers Match Report
In a high-scoring affair at Dambulla, Dambulla Sixers clinched a convincing eight-wicket victory over Colombo Strikers in the 10th match of the Lanka Premier League on July 7, 2024. The victory was driven by an exceptional performance from Kusal Perera, who earned the Player of the Match accolade for his brilliant knock of 80 off 50 balls.
Colombo Strikers set a challenging target of 186 runs after being put into bat. Their innings was spearheaded by Glenn Phillips, who scored an impressive 52 off 36 balls, featuring three sixes and one four. Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed a brisk 36 off 28 balls, and Angelo Perera added 41 off 27 balls. Despite these contributions, the Strikers’ innings saw a mix of solid partnerships and quick dismissals, preventing them from fully capitalizing on their starts. Chamika Karunaratne provided a late flourish with a quickfire 27 not out off 12 balls.
Dambulla Sixers’ bowling was led by Mohammad Nabi, who was the most economical bowler, taking 2 wickets for 20 runs in his 4 overs. Nuwan Pradeep also picked up 2 wickets but was expensive, conceding 41 runs. Dushan Hemantha chipped in with a wicket, while Mustafizur Rahman and Dilshan Madushanka struggled to contain the run flow.
Chasing 186, Dambulla Sixers got off to a flying start with Reeza Hendricks and Kusal Perera leading the charge. Hendricks scored a fluent 54 off 39 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. Perera was the star of the show, playing a match-winning knock of 80 off 50 balls, decorated with 8 fours and 4 sixes. The pair added 154 runs for the first wicket, laying a strong foundation for the chase.
After the dismissal of Hendricks, Perera followed soon after, falling to Taskin Ahmed, who was the pick of the bowlers for Colombo with figures of 2 for 45. Despite these wickets, Dambulla remained on course, with Mark Chapman finishing the game in style, scoring a quick 23 not out off just 10 balls, including three sixes. Lahiru Udara provided support with an unbeaten 11 off 8 balls.
Dambulla Sixers reached the target with 13 balls to spare, finishing at 188 for 2 in 17.5 overs. The victory was a testament to their powerful batting lineup and strategic execution. Kusal Perera’s outstanding performance not only earned him the Player of the Match title but also highlighted his crucial role in Dambulla’s commanding win. This victory further solidifies Dambulla Sixers’ position in the Lanka Premier League, showcasing their potential as strong contenders in the tournament.
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