Colombo Strikers Win Thrilling Match Against Kandy Falcons in Lanka Premier League 2024

In an exciting game of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, the Colombo Strikers narrowly defeated the Kandy Falcons by just two runs. The match, held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, saw outstanding performances from Matheesha Pathirana and Glenn Phillips.

Match Highlights

The Colombo Strikers, led by captain Thisara Perera, defended a total of 199 runs in a dramatic last-ball finish. The Strikers’ bowlers started strong, with an early wicket in the power play, dismissing Kandy opener Dinesh Chandimal. However, a 95-run partnership between Andre Fletcher and Mohammad Haris kept the Falcons in the game.

The game turned when Shadab Khan and Matheesha Pathirana took quick wickets, removing both Fletcher and Haris. Pathirana’s sensational 17th over, where he picked up three crucial wickets, and his tight 19th over, conceding just three runs, left the Falcons with a tough task. Despite a strong effort from Angello Matthews, the Strikers managed to secure the win. Pathirana finished with impressive figures of 4/26.

Controversial Moments

There was a controversial moment in the 8th over when Chamika Karunatatne’s brilliant one-handed catch was disallowed by the TV umpire, Prageeth Rambukwella. Replays showed the fielder’s hand was underneath the ball, but the decision stood, affecting the Strikers’ chances of an easier win.

Colombo Strikers’ Batting Performance

Earlier, the Colombo Strikers, batting first, got off to a flying start with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Chaturanga de Silva posting 50 runs in just 19 balls. Despite a mini-collapse in the middle overs, Glenn Phillips’ maiden LPL fifty and Shadab Khan’s quickfire 23 helped the Strikers reach a challenging total of 199/9 in their 20 overs.

Brief Scores

Colombo Strikers	199/9
Glenn Phillips	70
Dushmantha Chameera	3/40
Kandy Falcons	197/8
Mohammad Haris	56
Matheesha Pathirana	4/26

The Colombo Strikers won by 2 runs.