* Kamindu Mendis’ gritty knock ends Colombo Strikers tourney – LPL 2024 (Qualifier 1)
By Marlon Dale Ferreira
The Kandy Falcons secured a thrilling victory over the Colombo Strikers in the LPL Eliminator, winning by two wickets and advancing to Qualifier 2 where they will face the Jaffna Kings. The Falcons, despite a rocky chase, managed to pull through thanks to a crucial partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka.
Batting first, the Colombo Strikers had a shaky start, losing three wickets inside the Powerplay. However, a timely partnership between Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dunith Wellalage helped stabilize the innings. Samarawickrama was the standout performer, scoring 62 runs, while Wellalage contributed 28. Rahmanullah Gurbaz struggled for his 30 runs. The Kandy Falcons’ bowlers, led by Mohammad Hasnain (3 for 24) and skipper Wanindu Hasaranga (2 for 21), kept the pressure on, restricting the Strikers to a total of 159 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Chasing 160, the Falcons also stumbled early, losing their top three batsmen inside the Powerplay. Despite this, they kept scoring at a brisk pace, reaching 51 for 3 by the end of the Powerplay. The middle overs saw further struggles, but the dismissal of Chaturanga de Silva and the arrival of Dasun Shanaka turned the tide. Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis put together a vital 69-run partnership for the seventh wicket, bringing the Falcons closer to the target. Mendis, who scored a crucial 54, was supported by Shanaka’s 39.
The game saw a tense finish as the Falcons lost a couple of wickets in quick succession, but Ramesh Mendis kept his nerve and guided the team to victory with just eight balls to spare. The Colombo Strikers’ bowlers, led by Binura Fernando and Matheesha Pathirana, who each took three wickets, fought hard but ultimately fell short.
This victory keeps the Kandy Falcons’ title hopes alive as they move on to face the Jaffna Kings in Qualifier 2. The Falcons will need to maintain their focus and sharpness to secure a spot in the final and have a shot at the LPL title once again.
Chief Scores :-
Colombo Strikers – 159 for 8 in 20 overs (Sadeera Samarawickrama 62, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 30, Dunith Wellalage 28, Muhammad Hasnain 3 for 24, Wanindu Hasaranga 2 for 21, Angelo Mathews 1 for 13)
Kandy Falcons – 163 for 8 in 18.4 overs (Kamindu Mendis 54, Dasun Shanaka 39, Andre Fletcher 20, Binura Fernando 3 for 35, Matheesha Pathirana 3 for 38, Isitha Wijesundera 1 for 20)
Player of the Match – Kamindu Mendis (54)
