CS VS GT MATCH 10

Right then! That is all we have from this epic battle! The action in the fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League continues as we have another game coming up soon. Dambulla Aura will clash against Jaffna Kings at this very venue and the first ball will be bowled at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT) but the build-up has already begun so do switch tabs to catch our coverage. From here, goodbye and cheers!

Niroshan Dickwella, the captain of Colombo Strikers says that he is happy with the win. Adds that it was a tricky outfield and missed a few chances as well. Informs that he cut the webbing between his fingers but he stayed as it would have been unfair to leave his team. Ends by saying that they kept their cool they will look to improve in the next game.

Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Galle Titans says that they got a good start but they did not capitalise on it well. Adds that they got the momentum at the start but lost their way in the end. He says that they could have still got the game in the last over. Ends by saying that they will look to bounce back.

Babar Azam is the Player of the Match for scoring 104 in 59 deliveries in a successful run chase. He says the wicket was good and they utilised it well at the start. He says that he is happy with the victory and it was a narrow one. Adds that he tried to give his best and was just trying to build a partnership. Ends by saying he is happy with the win.

Time for the presentations...

Galle Titans were off to a good start as well with the bat as Lasith Croospulle scored 36 in 19 deliveries and added 87 runs for the first wicket with Shevon Daniel. The latter was dismissed one run short of his half-century and Bhanuka Rajapaksa struggled to score his 30 runs having faced 31 balls. Tim Seifert provided the required impetus towards the end accumulating 54 runs in 35 deliveries and remained unbeaten till the end. Naseem Shah, Ramesh Mendis, and Lakshan Sandakan claimed one wicket each for Colombo Strikers but they had left their batters a mountain to climb. They did so with immense grit led by Babar Azam who scored his maiden century in the Lanka Premier League.

Not many people would have been optimistic of Colombo Strikers' chances at the halfway stage but the openers kept them in the game right from the word go. Babar Azam and Pathum Nissanka added 111 runs for the opening wicket in 12.3 overs and set a perfect platform to push for a win. Pathum Nissanka reached his half-century and was dismissed by Tabraiz Shamsi on 54. Nuwanidu Fernando could not get going and it added some pressure on Babar Azam but the Pakistani skipper did not let it show. He powered through scoring freely and took his team closer to victory. Shamsi got his second for the game when he dismissed Nuwanidu but it was the wicket of Babar Azam in the last over by Kasun Rajitha that brought Galle Titans back into the game. With 14 needed in the last 5 deliveries, it was Mohammad Nawaz who took on the mantle of a finisher and took his team over the finish line.

What a remarkable run chase we have just witnessed! This game has gone right down to the wire and Colombo Strikers pull off the third-highest successful run chase in the Lanka Premier League to get their second win of this edition. This seven-wicket victory would not have been possible without the remarkable inning played by Babar Azam who took his side almost over the finish line. Galle Titans will be really disappointed with their bowling effort after their batters managed to post a competitive total on the board. With all five teams now having played four games each, they all find themselves on four points with two wins and two losses! Could we have asked for tighter competition?

FOUR! Mohammad Nawaz has done it! Fuller one this time, on the pads, Mohammad Nawaz picks it well and flicks it throuh mid-wicket as the ball races away from the fence. Colombo Strikers beat Galle Titans by 7 wickets!

SIX! All the way! A low full toss, on off, Mohammad Nawaz stands tall and powers it over cow corner as the ball sails over the ropes for a maximum! 4 needed off 2 now. Are we heading towards a super over here?

Too full, just outside off, Mohammad Nawaz drives it to extra covers. The fielder stops it well to his left but the ball deflects towards mid off. The batters collect two. The umpires check for a possible run out at the bowlers end but the replay shows that he was well in.

Kasun Rajitha bowls a wide yorker, Mohammad Nawaz digs it to deep point for a brace.

Mohammad Nawaz makes his way to the crease.

OUT! TAKEN! Kasun Rajitha gets the big fish! Slower ball does the trick. Touch fuller and outside off, Babar Azam gets low and looks to loft it but doesn't get the power right. The ball carries towards long off. Shakib Al Hasan settles under it and completes the catch. Babar Azam makes his way back after a fine, fine knock!

A wide yorker this time. Chamika Karunaratne looks to drive it but misses. 14 needed off the final over now! Babar Azam on strike... Can he do it?

Bowls it fuller and outside off, Babar Azam drills it to long off for one.

FOUR! HUNDRED UP FOR BABAR AZAM! Errs his line and lands it down leg, Babar Azam gets low and sweeps it through fine leg for a boundary. The job is not done yet!