Galle Titans (GT) beat Colombo Strikers (CS) by 8 wickets in the last match of the group stage of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) on Tuesday at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Before their last league match, GT were in danger of getting knocked out of LPL 2023.
They not only made their way through to the playoffs but also finished in the top two. They will face Dambulla Aura in Qualifier 1 on Thursday, August 17. GT won the toss and elected to field first. CS never got off to the start and was bundled out for 74 runs.
Tabriz Shamsi shines for GT
Lahiru Udara, Nipun Dhananjaya, Nuwanidu Fernando, and Muhammad Nawaz were unable to capitalise on their starts. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who had earlier this month hit a hundred runs, had faced 12 balls and scored 6 runs and was dismissed by Lahiru Kumara.
The pick of the bowler for GT was Tabraiz Shamsi, who finished with figures of 4-0-20-4. A standout performer was Seekkuge Prasanna, who dismissed the tailenders by picking up wickets of Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, and Shoriful Islam. Along with dismissing Babar Azam, Kumara also picked the prized wicket of Pathum Nissanka.
In reply, GT chased down the target in just 11.3 overs left. Opener Lasith Croospulle showed positive intent with the bat, and scored 42 runs off 25 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Shakib Al Hasan also stayed unbeaten on 17 runs off 15 balls with two fours. They both put up 56 runs for the third wicket to take the Titans past the finish line in 8.3 overs.
Tabriz Shamsi who was awarded the man of the match stated, “I have been rusty, having not played cricket for four months. I’m happy to get into my rhythm and groove as the tournament is coming to an end. The pitch was helpful, but you gotta put the ball in the right areas, it was more about varying pace and line. I have to give credit to the fast bowlers and the rest of the guys. Dedicating this award to my wife, who’s taking care of our son, who’s been a bit ill.”
Here’s how fans reacted:
U only rely on babar in whole tournament….. Ur other local players did nothing in entire tournament……
— 🇵🇰JACKIE / BA56 Forever 👑 (@TahreemZero) August 15, 2023
But it's ok💔Let's see it next time❤️🩹It's just the beginning for the next attempt💜We will support you forever🖇📌
— reeni (@reeni81) August 16, 2023
Hard luck next time😢
— Beenish (@kashmari55) August 15, 2023
Thank you so much Babar Azam ko wo respect deny k liye Jo Babar Azam deserve krty thy 😍…
Best Admin I have ever seen— Beenish (@kashmari55) August 15, 2023
Good luck for the next year focus on your squad selection ❤️❤️.#LPL2023
— Rizwan Khan (@imRizzipak77) August 15, 2023
Waste team 😡😡😡
— Mehak (@MehakBA56) August 15, 2023
Itni buri team aj tk nahi dekhi
— F_A_R_A_H💗🤗 |BA56 STAN👑💜 (@farahzareef) August 16, 2023
Ronke khatam hoyi so jao
— ♡ (@back_footpunch) August 15, 2023
