Kandy Falcons triumph over Jaffna Kings in a thrilling LPL 2024 encounter at Dambulla. © Facebook (@rashmiperera0108)
The 11th game of the Lanka Premier League 2024 saw Kandy Falcons defeat Jaffna Kings in a thrilling match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Thanks to a scintillating innings from Dinesh Chandimal, the Falcons quickly chased down a daunting target of 225, securing a 7-wicket win.
Match Summary
Jaffna Kings 224/7 (20) | |
| Pathum Nissanka 119 (59) | Dasun Shanaka 3/40 (4) |
| Rilee Rossouw 41 (18) | Dushmantha Chameera 2/44 (4) |
| Kusal Mendis 26 (23) | Ramesh Mendis 2/18 (3) |
Kandy Falcons 230/3 (18.2) | |
| Dinesh Chandimal 89 (37) | Tabraiz Shamsi 2/46 (4) |
| Kamindu Mendis 65 (36) | Pramod Madushan 1/33 (3) |
| Angelo Mathews 29 (13) | Azmat ullah Omarzai 0/45 (3) |
Toss: Kandy Falcons won the toss and decided to bowl.
Stadium: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Result: the Kandy Falcons won by seven wickets.
Man of the Match: Dinesh Chandimal(KF) – 89 (37)
Toss and Pitch Report
After winning the toss, the Kandy Falcons chose to bowl first, taking advantage of the favorable conditions for the bowlers early on. The pitch at Dambulla offered a balanced contest between bat and ball, but the batters eventually stole the show.
Jaffna Kings Innings
Jaffna Kings, put into bat, posted a formidable total of 224/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The highlight of their innings was a magnificent century by Pathum Nissanka, who scored a blistering 119 off 59 balls. His innings were studded with boundaries and sixes, keeping the scoreboard ticking rapidly.
Rilee Rossouw provided excellent support with a quickfire 41 off 18 deliveries, while Kusal Mendis contributed a steady 26 off 23 balls. Despite these contributions, Jaffna’s lower order struggled to accelerate in the final overs.
The Kandy Falcons bowlers had a tough time containing the onslaught, but Dasun Shanaka stood out with figures of 3/40 in his four overs. Dushmantha Chameera and Ramesh Mendis chipped in with two wickets each, keeping Jaffna from crossing the 230-run mark.
Kandy Falcons Innings
In response, Kandy Falcons chased down the target in 18.2 overs, finishing at 230/3. Dinesh Chandimal played one of the finest T20 innings, scoring a breathtaking 89 off just 37 balls. His aggressive stroke play and ability to find gaps at will left the Jaffna bowlers searching for answers.
Kamindu Mendis played a crucial role with a well-compiled 65 off 36 balls, anchoring the innings and ensuring the Falcons stayed on course. Angelo Mathews added the finishing touches with a quickfire 29 off 13 deliveries, sealing the victory for his team.
Despite Jaffna’s efforts, their bowlers couldn’t contain the Kandy batters. Tabraiz Shamsi picked up 2/46 in his four overs, while Pramod Madushan managed 1/33. However, their efforts were in vain as the Falcons chased down the target with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Pathum Nissanka’s Heroics: Despite ending up on the losing side, Nissanka’s century was a standout performance. His 119 runs provided a solid foundation for Jaffna Kings.
- Dinesh Chandimal’s Brilliance: Chandimal’s explosive innings was the cornerstone of Kandy’s successful chase. His ability to dominate the bowlers made the difference.
- Balanced Pitch: The pitch at Dambulla offered something for both batsmen and bowlers, but ultimately, the batters made the most of the conditions.
Last Moments
This high-scoring thriller has set the tone for the rest of the Lanka Premier League 2024. Both teams showcased their batting prowess, but the Kandy Falcons held their nerve and executed their chase to perfection. Spectators can anticipate more thrilling matchups and outstanding performances as the competition continues.
