* International cricket retiree Isuru Udana Player of the Match
* LPL 2024 (Game 5 – CS vs GM)
By Marlon Dale Ferreira
The Galle Marvels continued their exceptional start to the LPL season, securing a thrilling 7-run victory over the Colombo Strikers. Despite being aware they were short of runs, the Marvels’ bowlers were on target from the beginning, taking three wickets inside the Powerplay and maintaining pressure throughout. It came down to the last over, where Isuru Udana kept his cool, delivering a stellar performance to help his team clinch the match.
Galle Marvels, batting first, faced early setbacks and were reduced to 94 for 6. However, Isuru Udana’s critical 34-ball 52 and his partnership with Sahan Arachchige (35) turned the tide. Udana’s intent and aggressive batting revived the Marvels’ innings, helping them post a total of 179. The Marvels’ bowlers then restricted the Strikers, with Udana also contributing significantly with the ball, ending with figures of 2 for 34.
The Colombo Strikers began their chase with a promising start, thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s early cameo of 29. However, the Marvels kept things tight in the middle overs, with Sahan Arachchige’s economical bowling (2 for 21) and crucial breakthroughs preventing any significant partnerships. Despite Dunith Wellalage valiant 45, the Strikers were left with too much to do in the final overs.
The game reached a nail-biting climax in the last over, where the Strikers needed to score crucial runs but were thwarted by Udana’s excellent death bowling. Udana’s all-round performance, which included his pivotal half-century and crucial wickets, earned him the Player of the Match award. His efforts, along with Arachchige’s contributions, were instrumental in the Marvels’ victory, highlighting their resilience and tactical acumen.
Chief Scores:
Galle Marvels – 179 for 10 in 20 overs (Isuru Udana, Niroshan Dickwella 50, Sahan Arachchige 35, Shadab Khan 4 for 21, Binura Fernando 3 for 22, Matheesha Pathirana 1 for 37)
Colombo Strikers – 172 for 9 in 20 overs (Dunith Wellalage 45, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 29, Glenn Phillips 26, Maheesh Theekshana 2 for 20, Sahan Arachchige 2 for 21, Isuru Udana 2 for 34)
Player of the Match – Isuru Udana (2 for 34 & 52)
