DA VS JK MATCH 11

Right then! That is all we have from this low-scoring affair and that concludes an outstanding doubleheader clash.  A superb bowling display from both sides in this game and in the end, it was the Dambulla Aura who take the top spot on the table. The action in the fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League continues on Tuesday, the 8th of August as we have another doubleheader in store for us. It will be B-Love Kandy vs Galle Titans at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT) and Colombo Strikers vs Jaffna Kings at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). You can join us well in advance for the build-up. Until then, goodbye and cheers!

Kusal Mendis, the captain of Dambulla Aura speaks in his local language. He says that it was a big step to win this game. Adds that the bowling was on point and ends by saying Shoaib Malik's knock was excellent.

Thisara Perera, the skipper of Jaffna Kings says that they were good with the ball but the issue was with the bat. He adds that they were not on the path from the last two games but today's combination was the best one. Ends by saying that they are not under pressure and they will bounce back.

Hasan Ali is the Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul. He says they wanted to put up a total of around 170 runs. Says that as they couldn't reach it and as the total was small, they focused on their bowling more. He says that they knew Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dangerous and luckily they got him. Ends by saying that they are happy to win the game.

Time for the presentations...

Jaffna Kings went with Maheesh Theekshana in the first over after choosing to bowl first and Avishka Fernando was run out on the very first delivery. His opening partner and skipper Kusal Mendis was dismissed in the same over before Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Perera added a 51-run partnership for the third wicket. Both of them got off to decent starts but could not carry on and they needed Hayden Kerr to play an attacking cameo to push them to what eventually was a winning total. Shoaib Malik was brilliant with the ball as well claiming two wickets for 13 runs in his four overs. Nuwan Thushara claimed two wickets in the death overs as well while Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana chipped in with one wicket each.

Three quick wickets rattled the run chase and Jaffna Kings found themselves well behind in the game. Shoaib Malik battled through scoring 74 runs in 53 balls remaining unbeaten but did not get enough support from the end as they succumbed to a disappointing loss. Dambulla Aura come out in the second innings fired up and were on the money right from the start. Hasan Ali was the man who did maximum damage claiming two wickets up front and then returning to break the stubborn partnership that was building. He ended with figures of 4-0-21-3 with Binura Fernando, Noor Ahmad, and Hayden Kerr chipping in with one wicket each. Dhananjaya de Silva had an off day though but the good work done by the rest was enough to help take Dambulla Aura over the finish line.

At the halfway stage, it looked like the reigning champions would cruise to an easy win but they got off to a disastrous start. Charith Asalanka had a caught-behind decision reversed on a review but perished on the very next delivery. Towhid Hridoy played an obnoxious shot and was dismissed on a golden duck while Rahmanullah Gurbaz could not really get going before being sent back to the shed. There were just 10 runs on the board at the time and Shoaib Malik joined David Miller to finish the Powerplay on 27 for the loss of three wickets. Miller was dismissed on the first delivery after the Powerplay which prompted a promotion for Dunith Wellalage. He looked good at the middle providing support to Malik who fought a lone battle at the other end.

A high-scoring blockbuster has been followed up with a low-scoring thriller! What an exciting day of cricket we have had in the Lanka Premier League and it is Dambulla Aura who claim two crucial points and move to the top of the table! This game has turned out to be one-sided in favour of Dambulla Aura despite Shoaib Malik’s best efforts as they have managed to register a morale-boosting 9-run win despite putting up only 134 runs on the board. Jaffna Kings were never really in the chase after losing early wickets and will be disappointed with their run in this edition so far.

SIX! That is excellent from Shoaib Malik but it was just not enough. Lands it on middle, Shoaib Malik picks it well and slog sweeps it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. Dambulla Aura beat Jaffna Kings by 9 runs!

FOUR! Fine shot. Touch short and outside off, Shoaib Malik hangs back and cuts it through point as the ball races away from the fence.

Another one way outside off, Shoaib Malik shuffles across and lets it go. He wanted a wide ball but the umpire is unmoved. He seems unhappy with the decision!

Wide! Lands it wide outside off, Shoaib Malik leaves it alone.

Noor Ahmad breathes a sigh of relief! Touch short and on off, Shoaib Malik cuts it to the fielder at point. Dot!

Wide! Sways it wide outside off, Shoaib Malik offers no stroke.

SIX AGAIN! Pitched up, on off, Shoaib Malik gets low and lofts it over long off for another maximum! 22 needed off 4 now!

SIX! Up, up and over! Slower one, on off, Shoaib Malik gets low and slog sweeps it over deep mid-wicket as the ball sails into the stands.

Noor Ahmad comes back to the attack for the last over.