Match 7, Kandy, August 04, 2023, 07:30 PM
Galle Titans
117/9(20.0ov)
Jaffna Kings
120/2(12.4ov)
Jaffna Kings beat Galle Titans by 8 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Dunith Wellalage
Commentry
Right then! This win takes Jaffna Kings to the top of the table where many may say they belong as they leapfrog their opposition in this game. Galle Titans will want to brush off this defeat and return to winning ways in their next encounter. The action continues in the fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League as we have a doubleheader on Saturday, the 5th of August. It will be Colombo Strikers versus Dambulla Aura at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT) and B-Love Kandy versus Jaffna Kings at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). Do join us a bit early for the build-up as well. Until then, goodbye and cheers!
Thisara Perera, the captain of Jaffna Kings says that it is all credit to their bowlers that they bowled really well. Mentions that Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a great batter and he always bats well. Claims that they have a good line-up and some strength on his bench which gives them the freedom to make changes. Ends by saying that they need to give their hundred percent in all the games.
Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Galle Titans says that he is unhappy with the result and that the opposite team bowled really well so they could not score runs. He added that it was a bad day for them as they couldn't accumulate runs even with an experienced batting line-up. Adds that there will be good days and bad days and it is a part of the game.
Dunith Wellalage is the Player of the Match for his four-fer as he ended with figures of 4-0-10-4. He says that he always trusted in himself and he is happy with the result. Adds that the pitch was a bit slow and ends by thanking his skipper for supporting him.
Time for the presentations...
Galle Titans were off to a decent start with the bat courtesy of Lasith Croospulle but the introduction of spin resulted in his wicket as he was castled by Maheesh Theekshana. Charith Asalanka bowled one over and dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa on a golden duck but it was all about the young Dunith Wellalage thereafter. His four-wicket haul dismantled the Titans' batting line-up as he conceded just 10 runs in his four-over spell. Dasun Shanaka helped his side past the 100-run mark but was dismissed on 30 by Nandre Burger. Nuwan Thushara claimed a wicket in the death overs and helped restrict the Titans to under 120.
Jaffna Kings suffered an early setback in the run chase as Charith Asalanka was caught plumb in front of the wicket. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Towhid Hridoy did not allow the pressure to build as they played some hefty blows in their 83-run partnership which came off just 52 deliveries. Rahmanullah Gurbaz survived a couple of close calls and had the review system go his way before reaching a half-century. He scored 54 runs in 39 deliveries before finally being dismissed and Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 44 in 23 balls as they got over the line with ease.
This has been a walk in the park for the reigning champions as they register their second win of the tournament! A comprehensive win as they claim victory by 8 wickets and with 44 balls to spare. They have ended the unbeaten streak of Galle Titans who will be extremely disappointed with their batting effort. Their bowlers were left with an uphill task and they were unable to defend the low target. Shakib Al Hasan was the only bowler who had something to show for as he claimed two wickets for 28 runs in his four overs but the blame will definitely lie with the batters.
In over# 13
6
6
1
4
Akila Dananjaya 45/0(2.4)
12.4
6
SIX! Towhid Hridoy finishes it in style! Akila Dananjaya pitched this one ahead and turning away outside off. Towhid Hridoy reads the delivery well, let's his front foot out of the way and slog sweeps it wide over long-on for a maximum! What a way to win the match for Jaffna Kings.
12.3
6
SIX! All the way! Touch short and on middle, Towhid Hridoy rocks back and pulls it over deep mid-wicket as the ball sails over the ropes. That was massive!
12.2
1
Pulled back his length a little and pitched outside off. David Miller sends it square of the wicket for a single.
12.1
4
FOUR! That's a good shot. Full, on middle, David Miller picks it well and reverse sweeps it through third man for a boundary.
In over# 12
0
1
1
1
0W
1
Shakib Al Hasan 31/2(4)
11.6
.
Tossed up outside off again. Towhid Hridoy had no answer for that ball and is beaten as the keeper collects the ball safely.
11.5
1
Sways it on middle and leg, David Miller tucks it to short mid-wicket for one again.
11.4
1
Tossed up this time turning away from middle and off. Towhid Hridoy plays it with a soft hand to short thrid man for a single.
11.3
1
Full, on off, David Miller taps it to covers for one. He gets off the mark.
David Miller is the new batter at the crease.