Match 18, Colombo, December 18, 2022, 07:30 PM
Kandy Falcons
160/7(20.0ov)
Dambulla Aura
121/9(20.0ov)
Kandy Falcons beat Dambulla Aura by 39 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Oshane Thomas
Commentry
That is it from this game and it is Kandy Falcons who finish the group stage with their 7th win. There are still a couple of games left on Monday, the 19th of December which is also the final day of the group stages. It is all to play for as a few playoff places are still up for grabs. In the first game, Jaffna Kings will take on Colombo Stars and that game will begin at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT). That game will be followed by a clash between Galle Gladiators and Dambulla Aura at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). Do join us for the early build-up as well. Cheers!
Kandy Falcons skipper, Wanindu Hasaranga says that they played a brilliant game and he is proud of his team. Tells that Carlos Brathwaite and Pathum Nissanka will play the next game and they are looking forward to the playoffs.
Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Dambulla Aura says that Kandy Falcons played well in the Powerplay. Adds that they did well to restrict their opponents to 160, but they did not have a great start which set them back. Mentions that they need to play good cricket if they go into the playoffs Ends by saying that he has had a couple of stitches and will look into the injury later.
Oshane Thomas is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant figures with the ball. Thomas says that he is grateful for the opportunity. Adds that the team backed him and trusted his potential. Ends by saying he is looking forward to the playoffs.
The presentation ceremony...
Earlier in the game, Wanindu Hasaranga opted to bat first and even though Kandy Falcons didn't have a standout performer with the bat, everyone that came in scored vital runs and managed to take the total over 150 runs. The bowling from Dambulla Aura was generally good and at the halfway mark they would have thought that they have a solid chance of winning the game. But it wasn't meant to be as Wanindu Hasaranga and his camaraderie with the ball came out all guns blazing to seal the deal.
Dambulla Aura are having a season to forget and they have now suffered their sixth defeat of the season. After a decent bowling performance, their batting lineup just crumbled under pressure. The likes of Dasun Shanaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa flopped and with only Sikandar Raza scoring a few important runs. They were easily defeated once their middle order was ripped through.
With 160 runs on the board and a strong bowling lineup, Kandy Falcons were always on top of the game but their bowlers have done a fine job to seal the victory here. Their West Indian experienced players like Oshane Thomas and Fabian Allen came in handy as both of them picked up wickets at crucial stages and never left the Dambulla batters to get into rhythm. They will now have eyes on the trophy as they head into the playoffs finishing top of the points table.
Yet another resounding win for Kandy Falcons and they end their group stage journey with 7 wins from 8 games and seal the top spot in the league. As for Dambulla Aura, they are all but out of the tournament.
In over# 20
1
2
0
0
1
2
Zahoor Khan 16/1(3)
19.6
1
Only a single to end then! Zahoor Khan bowls another yorker, on middle, Pramod Madushan digs it towards long on for just a run. Kandy Falcons win by 39 runs!
19.5
2
Short and on leg, slower too, Pramod Madushan hooks it towards fine leg for a brace.
19.4
.
A slower one now, on a length and on middle, Pramod Madushan is early into his heave and misses to get hit on the pads.
19.3
.
Zahoor Khan nails the yorker on middle, Pramod Madushan digs it back to the bowler.
19.2
1
Full and on off, Dilum Sudeera drives it towards long off for a run.
19.1
2
A low full toss and outside off, Dilum Sudeera thrashes it towards sweeper cover for a brace.
In over# 19
1
0
0
1
1
0
Oshane Thomas 15/3(4)
18.6
1
A low full toss, on middle, Dilum Sudeera drills it towards long on for a run.
18.5
.
On a length and on middle, Dilum Sudeera defends it back to the bowler.
18.4
.
A slower one, full and on off, Dilum Sudeera looks to block it out, but gets an outisde edge towards first slip.