LPL 2024 Match Reports: Falcons register commanding win over Sixers, Strikers edge past Marvels

Here are LPL 2024 match reports for matches 18th and 19th as the league continues.

LPL 2024 Match 18 Report

In a thrilling encounter at Colombo’s RPS, the Kandy Falcons secured a commanding victory over the Dambulla Sixers by 54 runs in the Lanka Premier League’s match 18th on Monday.

Opting to bat first, Kandy Falcons got off to a solid start with Dinesh Chandimal and Andre Fletcher at the crease. Chandimal fell early to Sonal Dinusha, lbw for 12 runs. However, Fletcher, in aggressive form, quickly took charge alongside Mohammad Haris. Fletcher’s brisk innings of 60 off 34 balls, supported by Haris’ quickfire 24, laid a strong foundation. Wanindu Hasaranga, the captain, showcased his batting prowess with a blistering 25 off 12 balls, adding crucial runs to the tally.

Kamindu Mendis (51*) and Angelo Mathews (44*) provided the finishing touches with their explosive batting in the death overs, propelling Kandy Falcons to an imposing total of 222/4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Chasing a formidable target of 223 runs, Dambulla Sixers started poorly losing early wickets to the disciplined bowling attack of Kandy Falcons. Reeza Hendricks, Ibrahim Zadran, and Lahiru Udara departed cheaply, struggling against the pace and accuracy of Dasun Shanaka and Mohammad Hasnain.

Kusal Perera emerged as the lone fighter for Dambulla Sixers, playing a dazzling innings of 74 off just 40 deliveries, including five fours and five sixes. However, lack of support from the other end and regular breakthroughs by Wanindu Hasaranga (4/35) restricted Sixers’ progress. Mark Chapman (24) and Sonal Dinusha (17) tried to stabilize the innings, but consistent wickets at crucial junctures thwarted their efforts.

In the end, despite lower-order contributions from Chamindu Wickramasinghe (18) and Dushan Hemantha (17), Dambulla Sixers could only manage 168/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 54 runs.

Wanindu Hasaranga was adjudged the Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance. Apart from his quickfire batting, Hasaranga’s spell of 4/35 dismantled the Sixers’ batting lineup, ensuring Kandy Falcons’ comprehensive victory.

LPL 2024 Match 19 Report

In an exciting contest at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, the Colombo Strikers secured a decisive 7-wicket victory over the Galle Marvels in the 19th match of the Lanka Premier League 2024. This win, achieved with 10 balls to spare, was driven by a stellar bowling performance from Matheesha Pathirana and a balanced batting effort from the Strikers.

The Galle Marvels, after being put in to bat, struggled to build momentum throughout their innings, eventually being bowled out for 138 in 19.5 overs. The innings started on a shaky note with captain Niroshan Dickwella being dismissed early for 10 off 13 balls, caught by AK Perera off Binura Fernando. Alex Hales followed soon after, falling to Dunith Wellalage for just 3 runs.

Tim Seifert provided some resistance with a well-made 44 off 38 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Sadisha Rajapaksa (15) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (35 off 15 balls, with one four and four sixes) offered brief support, but could not forge substantial partnerships.

Matheesha Pathirana was the star with the ball for the Strikers, claiming an impressive 4 wickets for 20 runs in his 3.5 overs. Shadab Khan also contributed significantly, taking 2 wickets for 20 runs, while Wellalage chipped in with 2 wickets as well.

The Marvels’ batting collapsed towards the end, losing their last five wickets for just 6 runs. This collapse included Pathirana’s swift dismissals of Isuru Udana, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay, sealing a modest total of 138.

Chasing 139, the Colombo Strikers got off to a strong start despite losing Angelo Perera early for 11 off 6 balls. Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the initial charge with a quickfire 23 off 17 balls, including four boundaries, but was bowled by Maheesh Theekshana.

Muhammad Waseem anchored the chase with a composed 50 off 44 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes. His partnership with Glenn Phillips, who remained unbeaten on 31 off 32 balls, was crucial in steering the Strikers towards the target. Sadeera Samarawickrama added a brisk 15 off 12 balls to finish the job.

Despite a spirited bowling effort from the Marvels, with Theekshana, Udana, and Arachchige each taking a wicket, the Strikers’ batting lineup held firm. The steady fall of wickets did not deter the chase, and the Strikers comfortably reached 142 for 3 in 18.2 overs.