* Another last ball finish brings more excitement to the tournament
* T20 World Cup discards shine – Kusal Perera (102*) and Avishka Fernando (80*)
* LPL 2024 (Game 4 – JF vs DS)
By Marlon Dale Ferreira
In a high-scoring thriller, the Jaffna Kings secured their first win of the season by chasing down a formidable target of 192 set by the Dambulla Sixers. Despite Kusal Perera’s magnificent unbeaten century, which propelled the Sixers to 191 for 2 in their 20 overs, the Kings showcased exceptional skill with the bat under pressure and hunted down their wide eye target.
The Sixers’ innings was anchored by Perera’s stunning 102*, with Nuwanidu Fernando (40) and Mark Chapman (33*) providing solid support. However, the last four overs saw a disciplined bowling effort from the Kings, particularly Dhananjaya De Silva, who picked up 2 for 25, restricting the Sixers from accelerating further.
The chase for the Kings started shakily, losing three wickets in the Powerplay and finding themselves at 78 for 3 after ten overs. However, Avishka Fernando (80) and Charith Asalanka (50) turned the tide with a massive 120-run partnership. Fernando was the aggressor, hitting boundaries at will, while Asalanka played a supportive role initially. Their onslaught in the middle overs, including Asalanka’s four successive sixes off Vimukthi, brought the Kings back into the game.
Despite a late scare with both Fernando and Asalanka falling, the Kings needed just a run-a-ball towards the end. Fabian Allen and the lower-order batsmen ensured there were no further hiccups, with Allen sealing the victory on the last ball, dashing the Sixers’ hopes of a comeback.
Chief Scores:
Dambulla Sixers – 191 for 2 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 102*, Nuwanidu Fernando 40, Mark Chapman 33*, Dhananjaya De Silva 2 for 25, Fabian Allen 09, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 0 for 19)
Jaffna Kings – 197 for 6 in 20 overs (Avishka Fernando 80, Charith Asalanka 50, Pathum Nissanka 27, Mustafizur Rahman 2 for 30, Nuwan Thushara 2 for 34, Mohammad Nabi 1 for 20)
Player of the Match – Avishka Fernando (80)
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