Match 10, Dambulla, July 07, 2024, 07:30 PM
Colombo Strikers
185/6(20.0ov)
Dambulla Sixers
188/2(17.5ov)
Dambulla Sixers beat Colombo Strikers by 8 wickets
Right then, that is it from the game. The Dambulla Sixers get off the mark with a dominant victory. We now have a break on Monday but the Lanka Premier League, 2024 action will continue on Tuesday, the 9th of July. We have a doubleheader as the Kandy Falcons will take on the Jaffna Kings at 3 pm IST(9.30 am GMT) and the Dambulla Sixers will go against the Galle Marvels at 7.30 pm IST(2 pm GMT). Do join us a bit early for the build-up as well. Until then, take care, and cheers!
Mohammad Nabi, the skipper of Dambulla Sixers, says that it was an all-round team performance and adds that they had discussed conceding fewer boundaries while bowling. Mentions that it was a high-scoring pitch but the bowlers did their job well. Adds that he wasn't worried because the spinners stopped the runs in the middle overs of the first innings. Says that he tried to bowl away from the batters and his variations helped him while bowling.
Thisara Perera, the skipper of Colombo Strikers, says that they were 20 runs short in the first innings. Mentions that it was a good batting pitch and the batters need to put up at least 200 runs to win and adds that they will give their best in the next game.
Kusal Perera is the Player of the Match for his splendid batting performance. He says that his hand is feeling better and mentions that he was in a bit of pain through his innings but says that he did it for his team. Ends by thanking the new owners of his team for giving him a chance to prove himself.
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Earlier in the game, the Dambulla Sixers faced a shaky start but managed to regain momentum with key wickets, effective spin bowling, and sharp fielding. Despite some pressure towards the end, they were the happier side going into the break. On the other hand, the Colombo Strikers posted a competitive total of 185, largely due to the strong partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Kusal Perera and the late inning impetus by Glenn Phillips and Chamika Karunaratne.
Colombo Strikers just never looked they they had the belief to win this game. The game just kept on slipping away from them and they just failed to break the opening stand. Taskin Ahmed picked up the wickets of both the openers in his final over but it was too little, too late for them. None of their bowlers were economical. All in all, it was a below-par showing with the ball which cost them dearly.
Needing 186, the Sixers were off to a quick start as Reeza Hendricks and Kusal Perera went after the bowlers from the word go. They just kept on scoring boundaries and stitched a partnership of 154 runs before Reeza Hendricks fell on 54 due to a short ball. Kusal Perera soon followed suit as he was dismissed on 80 but they both made sure that the game was well under their control. Later, Mark Chapman and Lahiru Udara did the rest of the work and handed the Dambulla Sixers their first win of the season.
What a brilliant chase this has been from the Dambulla Sixers! They have showcased an impressive performance in their pursuit, securing their first victory after four games. They were dominant throughout the second innings and left no chance for the opposition to bounce back.
In over# 18
6
0
6
6
1
Matheesha Pathirana 49/0(3.5)
17.5
6
SIX! UP UP AND AWAY! Mark Chapman finishes off in style and gets his team over the line! Matheesha Pathirana serves it full and in the slot around off. Mark Chapman lofts it over long off with sublime timing. The ball crosses the ropes for half a dozen runs. Dambulla Sixers have earned their first win of this season and they have done it in fashion.
17.4
.
Full and on off. Mark Chapman drives it to the fielder at cover.
17.3
6
SIX! EVEN BETTER! Matheesha Pathirana hits the hard length and over off. Mark Chapman gets under it and lofts it over point. The ball sails over the ropes for back-to-back biggies. Just 4 required to win.
17.2
6
SIX! DISPATCHED! Matheesha Pathirana drops it short and over off. Mark Chapman stands back and pulls it through mid-wicket. The ball hits he advertising boards beyond the ropes for a flat and powerful six.
17.1
1
A yorker right on the toes. Lahiru Udara clips it to square leg to run a single. This is Matheesha Pathirana's strength, bowling yorkers in the death overs.
In over# 17
1
1
1
4
1
1
Binura Fernando 25/0(4)
16.6
1
A low full toss, Lahiru Udara flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.
16.5
1
A slower bouncer, Mark Chapman pulls it towards mid-wicket for one more.
16.4
1
Short, outside off, Lahiru Udara slaps it over covers for one.
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