* T20 World Cup discard Kusal Perera declared Player of the Match
* LPL 2024 – CS vs DS (Match 10)
By Marlon Dale Ferrerira
The Dambulla Sixers recorded their first victory in the LPL, convincingly defeating the Colombo Strikers by 8 wickets. Chasing a target of 186, the Sixers were led by a commanding performance from Kusal Perera and Reeza Hendricks, who put together a formidable 154-run opening partnership. Perera’s 80 and Hendricks’ 54 set the tone for a smooth chase, ensuring the Sixers’ triumph with 17.5 overs.
Earlier in the game, the Colombo Strikers posted a competitive total of 185 for 6, thanks to a solid partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz (36) and Angelo Perera, followed by a late blitz from Glenn Phillips (52) and Chamika Karunaratne. The Sixers initially had the upper hand with effective bowling from Mohammad Nabi (2 for 20) and Dushan Hemantha (1 for 22), but they lost momentum in the final overs, allowing the Strikers to reach a challenging score.
Despite this, the Strikers’ bowlers could not capitalize on their batting efforts. They struggled to make early inroads, with Taskin Ahmed’s two late wickets proving insufficient. The Sixers’ openers took full advantage, scoring 63 runs in the Powerplay and maintaining a high run rate throughout. After Hendricks fell to a short ball at 54 and Perera followed soon after with 80, the Sixers were already well within reach of their target.
Mark Chapman (23*) and Lahiru Udara then comfortably guided the team home, sealing the win with ease. Kusal Perera’s outstanding knock earned him the Player of the Match award, especially notable as he played through a wrist injury. His powerful performance not only entertained the home crowd in Dambulla but also boosted the Sixers’ confidence for the upcoming matches.
Chief Scores :-
Colombo Strikers – 185 for 6 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 52, Angelo Perera 41, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 36, Mohammad Nabi 2 for 20, Nuwan Pradeep 2 for 41, Dushan Hemantha 1 for 22)
Dambulla Sixers – 188 for 2 in 17.5 overs (Kusal Perera 80, Reeza Hendricks 54, Mark Chapman 23*, Taskin Ahmed 2 for 45, Chamika Karunaratne 0 for 9, Thisara Perera 0 for 10)
Player of the Match – Kusal Perera (80)
