* Dwayne Pretorius scalps four wickets to claim Player of the Match – LPL (Qualifier)
By Marlon Dale Ferreira
The Galle Marvels advanced to their third final in the LPL with a commanding victory over the Jaffna Kings, who now face a tougher path to the final. The Marvels chased down a target of 178 with ease, winning by seven wickets and solidifying their dominance in the tournament.
Opting to bat first, the Jaffna Kings posted a competitive total of 177 for 7, thanks to a well-crafted half-century from Avishka Fernando. Contributions from Rilee Rossouw (40) and Kusal Mendis (46) bolstered their innings, while Azmatullah Omarzai provided a late flourish. However, Dwaine Pretorius was the standout bowler for the Marvels, claiming four wickets for 23 runs, with support from Isuru Udana (2 for 37) and Prabath Jayasuriya (1 for 38).
In response, the Galle Marvels got off to a quick start despite losing their skipper early. Alex Hales, who was given a couple of lives, made the Kings pay with a rapid 36 off 21 balls. The real game-changer, however, was the partnership between Tim Seifert and Janith Liyanage. Seifert smashed 62* off 41 balls, while Liyanage added 56, forging a match-winning 90-plus run partnership. Their aggressive yet smart batting ensured the Marvels chased down the target in 18.1 overs, with Seifert remaining unbeaten to see his side home.
Dwaine Pretorius was rightfully named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance, which played a crucial role in restricting the Kings and setting up the Marvels’ successful chase.
Chief Scores :-
Jaffna Kings – 177 for 7 in 20 overs (Avishka Fernando 52, Kusal Mendis 46, Rilee Rossouw 40, Dwaine Pretorius 4 for 23, Isuru Udana 2 for 37, Prabath Jayasuriya 1 for 38)
Galle Titans – 181 for 3 in 18.1 overs (Tim Seifert 62*, Janith Liyanage 56, Alex Hales 36, Tabraiz Shamsi 1 for 27, Azmatullah Omarzai 1 for 33, Fabian Allen 1 for 38)
Player of the Match – Dwaine Pretorius (4 for 23)
