- Pathum Nissanka’s 92 was the cornerstone of Jaffna’s innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.
- Avishka Fernando’s explosive batting provided the momentum needed for a big total.
- Dambulla’s Azmatullah Omarzai’s late blitz was a highlight of an otherwise challenging chase.
By Marlon Dale Ferreira
Dambulla, July 6, 2024 — In a high-scoring contest at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, the Jaffna Kings showcased a powerful batting display to clinch a 30-run victory over the Dambulla Sixers in the 8th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024.
Opting to bat first, Jaffna Kings set the tone with an imposing total of 218 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by scintillating performances from Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando. Nissanka played a crucial knock, amassing 92 runs off 54 balls, featuring an array of elegant strokes and powerful hits to the boundary. Fernando complemented Nissanka with a brisk 57 off 30 balls, ensuring a steady flow of runs throughout the innings.
The final overs saw a flurry of boundaries, with Azmatullah Omarzai providing a late surge by smashing 19 off just 6 balls. The Dambulla Sixers’ bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Nuwan Thushara bearing the brunt of Jaffna’s aggressive batting.
Chasing a daunting target of 219, the Dambulla Sixers put up a spirited fight but fell short, finishing their innings at 188 for 8. The top order failed to capitalize on starts, and despite valiant efforts from the middle order, they could not keep up with the required run rate. Their innings was marked by several cameos, but none could convert into a match-winning knock.
The Jaffna bowlers maintained consistent pressure, with disciplined spells from Thisara Perera and Binura Fernando, who managed to stifle the Sixers’ scoring opportunities. Perera’s experience shone through as he picked up crucial wickets at key intervals, effectively curbing the Sixers’ chase.
This win places Jaffna Kings in a strong position in the tournament, highlighting their intent to dominate the LPL 2024. The Sixers, still searching for their first win, will need to regroup and strategize for their upcoming matches to stay competitive in the league.
Chief Scores :-
- Jaffna Kings – 218 to 5 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 88(53) Avishka Fernando 57(30) Azmatullah Omarzai 19(6) Mustafizur Rahman 2 for 39, Nuwan Thushara 1 for 48, Dushan Hemantha 1 for 38, Chamindu Wickramasinghe 1 for 11)
- Dambulla Sixers – 188 to 8 in 20 overs (Reesza Hendricks 80(50) Kusal Perera 16(7)Mark Chapman30(17) Pramod Madushan2 for 48, Asitha Fernando 2 for 25, Tabraiz Shamsi 2 for 26)
Player of the match :- Pathum Nissanka
