LPL 2024: Colombo Strikers Secure 51-Run Victory Over Kandy Falcons in Opening Match

Pallekele [Sri Lanka] – The Colombo Strikers kicked off their Lanka Premier League 2024 campaign with a strong 51-run win against the Kandy Falcons at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The Falcons, chasing a tough target of 199, were bowled out for 147 in just 15.5 overs. Despite a good start from Dinesh Chandimal and Andre Fletcher, the Falcons lost their way after losing two quick wickets during the powerplay. Fletcher and Mohammad Haris were sent back to the pavilion early.

Chandimal’s dismissal by Glenn Phillips in the 8th over further hurt the Falcons’ chances. Kamindu Mendis was out soon after, but a fighting 60-run partnership between Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga kept the Falcons’ hopes alive.

However, the game swung in favor of the Colombo Strikers thanks to excellent bowling by Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan and Sri Lankan off-spinner Dunith Wellalage. The pair caused a dramatic collapse in the Falcons’ middle and lower order. The last six Kandy wickets fell for just seven runs in 12 balls, securing the win for the Colombo Strikers and earning them two crucial points.

Earlier, Colombo Strikers were put in to bat first by Falcons’ captain Hasaranga and posted a strong total of 198 for 7 in their 20 overs. Despite losing openers Shevon Daniel and Rahmanullah Gurbaz early, Muhammad Waseem and Sadeera Samarwickrama steadied the innings with a vital 78-run partnership for the third wicket.

Glenn Phillips was out for a duck, but captain Thisara Perera, Shadab Khan, and Chamika Karunaratne played key roles in helping their team reach a challenging total. Kandy Falcons’ bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Chameera were expensive, though captain Hasaranga was economical as usual.

Shadab Khan was named the player of the match for his all-round performance.

Brief Scores: Colombo Strikers 198/7 in 20 overs defeated Kandy Falcons 147/10 in 15.5 overs by 51 runs.

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