Colombo: (PNP)
Colombo Strikers started their Lanka Premier League 2024 campaign with a commanding 51-run victory over the Kandy Falcons at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday (July 2).
The charge was lead by Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan who turned the match on it’s head with his first ever hat-trick at the top level and the second ever by any bowler in the Lanka Premier League.
Chasing a challenging target of 199, the Falcons were bowled out for 147 in just 15.5 overs.
Despite a promising start from Dinesh Chandimal (38 off 26) and Andre Fletcher (24 off 12), the Falcons lost momentum after losing two quick wickets during the powerplay, with Fletcher and Mohammad Haris (4 off 3) returning to the dugout early.
However, the match turned dramatically in favour of Colombo Strikers, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance by Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan (4/22) and Sri Lankan off-spinner Dunith Wellalage (4/20).
The duo spun a web around the Falcons’ middle and lower order, causing a sensational collapse. The last six Kandy wickets fell for just seven runs in 12 balls, sealing the victory for Colombo Strikers and two vital points.
Earlier in the day, Colombo Strikers, put in to bat first by Falcons’ skipper Hasaranga, posted a formidable total of 198 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Brief Scores:
Colombo Strikers 198/7 in 20 overs (Sadeera Samarawickrama – 48, Hasaranga – 2/30) beat Kandy Falcons (147-10 in 15.5 overs, Chandimal – 38, Wellalage – 4/20) by 51 runs.
Shadab’s hat-trick lead Colombo Triumph Over Kandy in LPL 2024 