* Alex Hales and Bhanuka Rajapaksa in unbroken 81 run stand for third wicket
* LPL 2024 (Match 14)
By Marlon Dale Ferreira
In a thrilling encounter, the Galle Marvels clinched a comfortable victory against the Kandy Falcons, chasing down a target of 187 with four balls to spare. Alex Hales was the star of the show, scoring an unbeaten 86 off 55 balls, leading his team to an eight-wicket win.
Earlier in the day, the Kandy Falcons, invited to bat first, got off to a strong start with a 54-run partnership between Andre Fletcher and Dinesh Chandimal. Chandimal’s aggressive 32 off 14 balls set the tone, but the middle order faltered, with Mohammad Haris and Kamindu Mendis failing to contribute significantly. Fletcher anchored the innings with a valuable 69 runs, supported by Angelo Mathews’ 29. However, a sudden collapse saw Kandy lose three wickets in as many balls, thanks to a brilliant spell from Prabath Jayasuriya, who finished with three wickets for 30 runs. Ramesh Mendis played a crucial cameo, scoring 28 off 14 balls, helping Kandy reach 187 for 9.
In pursuit of 188, the Galle Marvels got off to a sensational start with openers Niroshan Dickwella and Alex Hales attacking from the beginning, putting up a 76-run partnership. Dickwella scored a brisk 25 before being dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga. Alex Hales continued to build the innings with Tim Seifert before Andre Fletcher managed to trap Seifert for 16, breaking the budding partnership. Despite this, Hales dominated, ensuring Galle Marvels stayed ahead of the required rate.
Hales’ unbeaten innings, supported by Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s 46 off 26 balls, guided Galle Marvels to a convincing victory. The pair took the game away from the Falcons in no time, with the Marvels sealing the game with 4 balls remaining. Kandy Falcons, despite setting a challenging target, could not defend it as their bowlers leaked runs at regular intervals.
Prabath Jayasuriya was instrumental in restricting the Falcons to 187, earning the Player of the Match award for his figures of 3 for 30. His performance, along with the batting brilliance of Hales and Rajapaksa, ensured a comprehensive win for the Galle Marvels, cementing their position as a formidable team in the tournament.
Chief Scores :-
Kandy Falcons – 187 for 9 in 20 overs (Andre Fletcher 69, Dinesh Chandimal 32, Angelo Mathews 29, Prabath Jayasuriya 3 for 30, Dwaine Pretorius 2 for 37, Kavindu Nadeeshan 1 for 34)
Galle Titans – 188 for 2 in 19.2 overs (Alex Hales 86*, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 46*, Niroshan Dickwella 25, Andre Fletcher 1 for 11, Wanindu Hasaranga 1 for 29, Dasun Shanaka 0 for 15)
Player of the Match – Prabath Jayasuriya (3 for 30)
