Shadab Khan's hat-trick propels Colombo Strikers to a 51-run victory over Kandy Falcons in LPL 2024. © Twitter (@Prasanrod)
The Lanka Premier League’s third game, 2024, showcased a thrilling encounter between the Colombo Strikers and the Kandy Falcons, held at the iconic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on July 2nd. The Colombo Strikers, led by a stellar performance from Shadab Khan, clinched a commanding victory over the Falcons by 51 runs, marking their dominance early in the tournament.
Match Summary
Colombo Strikers 198/7 (20) | |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama 48 (26) | Wanindu Hasaranga 2/30 (4) |
| Thisara Perera (c) 38 (30) | Kasun Rajitha 2/56 (3) |
| Muhammad Waseem 32 (18) | Dushmantha Chameera 1/46 (4) |
Kandy Falcons 147 (15.5) | |
| Dinesh Chandimal 38 (26) | Shadab Khan 4/22 (4) |
| Wanindu Hasaranga (c) 25 (14) | Dunith Wellalage 4/20 (3.5) |
| Angelo Mathews 25 (20) | Binura Fernando 1/26 (3) |
Toss: BLK won the toss and decided to bowl
Stadium: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Result: Colombo Strikers win by 51 runs
Man of the Match: Shadab Khan (Colombo Strikers) – 4/22 (4) & 20 (17)
Early Woes and Resilient Recovery
After winning the toss, Kandy Falcons captain Wanindu Hasaranga opted to bowl first, aiming to capitalize on early conditions. His decision bore fruit initially as Kasun Rajitha and Dushmantha Chameera struck early blows, sending back Shevon Daniel and Rahmanullah Gurbaz cheaply. However, Muhammad Waseem’s aggressive 32 off 18 balls and Glenn Phillips’ brief cameo kept the scoreboard ticking amidst the early setbacks. Nevertheless, skipper Hasaranga’s double strike halted their progress, leaving the Strikers at 51/4.
Steadying the Ship and Late Flourish
Sadeera Samarawickrama’s composed 35 stabilized the innings, but wickets continued to fall at crucial intervals. With the scoreboard reading 111/5 after 11 overs, the experienced duo of Thisara Perera (38) and Shadab Khan (20) orchestrated a remarkable recovery. Their partnership injected momentum into the innings, complemented by Chamika Karunaratne’s explosive 25 off just ten deliveries. The Strikers concluded their innings at a competitive 198/7, setting a challenging target for the Falcons.
Shadab Khan’s Spectacular Hat-Trick
In pursuit of 199, the Falcons stumbled early as Shadab Khan produced a sensational spell of leg-spin bowling. Khan’s hat-trick in the 12th over dismantled the Falcons’ top order, quickly dismissing Ashen Bandara, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kusal Mendis. His mesmerizing display reduced the Falcons to 54/4, leaving them in disarray.
Falcons’ Fightback and Strikers’ Steely Resolve
Despite Najibullah Zadran’s valiant 42 and Kamindu Mendis’ resilient 37, the Falcons struggled to counter the Strikers’ disciplined bowling attack. With wickets falling at regular intervals, the Falcons were bundled out for 147 in the 19th over, falling short of the target by 51 runs. The Strikers’ bowlers, spearheaded by Shadab Khan’s heroics, maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings, ensuring their team’s victory.
Key Performers
Shadab Khan emerged as the undisputed hero of the match, claiming the Man of the Match award for his exceptional bowling figures of 3 wickets for 20 runs, including a mesmerizing hat-trick that shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the Colombo Strikers. Thisara Perera’s crucial contributions with the bat and Chamika Karunaratne’s explosive cameo propelled the Strikers to a formidable total.
With this resounding victory, the Colombo Strikers ascend to the top of the LPL 2024 points table, showcasing their formidable all-around prowess early in the tournament. As the competition progresses, their dominant performance serves as a statement of intent, setting high expectations for their upcoming matches.
