BLK vs DA 2nd Match, LPL 2021

That’s that, and it’s Dambulla Giants that have secured the win by 20 runs! 

 Opting to bat first, the Giants kicked off their innings in a scintillating manner. Niroshan Dickwella and Phil Salt stormed their way to a 97 run stand from just eight overs. Niroshan Dickwella was the first one to depart after getting dismissed to Lahiru Kumara for 37 (23). Shoaib Maqsqood walking in at number three could add just 11 (11), and was sent back to the hut by Sachindu Colombage. However, Phil Salt continued to bat with serious intent and struck boundaries left, right, and center. Salt’s knock of 64 (27), with four fours and five sixes provided the Giants with the perfect platform to target a big score. The skipper, Shanaka anchored his way to 24 (18), while, Ramesh Mendis’ 22*(11) assisted the Gladiators to 190-7 in 20 overs.

For the Kandy Warriors, Lahiru Kumara topped the charts with a spell of 3/34 from four. Al Amin picked up two, whereas, Sachindu Colombage and Rovman Powell chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Talking about the run chase, Kennar Lewis did try to add the pressure back on the Giants with his 17 (10). However, three wickets in quick succession by Nuwan Pradeep, Imran Tahir and Ramesh Mendis had the Warriors teetering at 28/3. Angelo Perera and Kamindu Mendis did try to consolidate out there in the middle but were dismissed for 24 (22) and 17 (18) respectively. Rovman Powell's quickfire knock of 42 (21) did entertain the fans to a degree, but the task of going 12 per over was too hard of a task.

Ishan Jayaratne added 18 (12), whereas, Sachindu Colombage’s unbeaten knock of 27* (16) narrowed down the margin of defeat late down the order.

 Ramesh Mendis was the standout performer with the ball, courtesy of his spell of 3/21. Nuwan Pradeep also contributed with three, while, Imran Tahir and Dasun Shanaka picked up a wicket each.

The Dambulla Giants restricted the Kandy Warriors to 170/8 from 20 overs.