Match 3 of the all-exciting Lanka Premier League 2022 was between the reigning champions Jaffna Kings and Dambulla Aura at the Mahindra Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. Defending champions Jaffna Kings continued their winning momentum as they registered their second straight win in the third edition of the tournament over Dambulla Aura by 9 wickets. The defending champions started their campaign on a great note as the side beat the Galle Gladiators in the first match.
On the other hand, this was Aura’s first match of the season. Speaking about their head-to-head in the last five fixtures, Jaffna have emerged victorious in all outings, with one resulting in a washout. And once again, the Kings showed why are they two times champions of the tournament.
Jaffna Kings remains unbeatable again
Talking about the match, Dasun Shanaka opted to bat first after winning the toss but couldn’t stick to their decision as they failed to put up a fighting target for the Kings. Aura’s openers Jordan Cox and Shevon Daniel gave a brilliant start to the team as Cox scored 43 runs off just 22 balls. Aura’s star-studded line-up couldn’t keep up the momentum and started losing their wickets at regular intervals of time.
Towards the end of the innings, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Ramesh Mendis scored 18 and 10 respectively to help the team reach 121 for the loss of 9 wickets. Maheesh Theekshana and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth were the top wicket-takers from the Kings as both of them picked 3 wickets each for their team.
Batting second, Kings reached the target with 4 overs to spare. Riding on the opening partnership of Sadeera Samarawickrama’s 62 from 44 balls and Avishka Fernando’s 51 from 49 balls, helped the Jaffna Kings secure an easy win. Sadeera’s innings included 7 boundaries and 1 six, while Fernando’s innings was laced with 4 boundaries and 1 six. For Dambulla Aura, Noor Ahmad took 1 wicket.
Here’s how people reacted on Twitter :
Jafna ko sidha final me hi bhej do..#LankaPremierLeague2022 #lpl
— Cricket Updates (@Cricket23002283) December 7, 2022
𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒚! 🙌
— TenSports Pakistan (@TenPakistan) December 7, 2022
A comfortable win for Jaffna Kings as they defeat Dambulla Aura by 9 wickets. 💥#LPL2022 #LPLT20 #T20 #Cricket #TenSportsHD pic.twitter.com/3bN48vLjmQ
A well made Fifty for Sadeera Samarawickrama 🙌#SadeeraSamarawickrama #LankaPremierLeague #LPL #DAGvsJFK #Cricket #LPL2022 #DambullaGiants #JaffnaKings #MazaPlay pic.twitter.com/LmoaN2ZKRQ
— MazaPlay (@maza_play) December 7, 2022
PCB has denied NOC to Hasnain and Dahani for Lanka premier League. Both are in the plan for next ODI WC, PCB want Both players to play Pakistan Cup. Zaman replaces Dahani in Jaffna squad and Wahab replaces Hasnain in Galle Squad #LPL2022
— 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗭𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗿 🇵🇰 (@iam_JZK) December 7, 2022
😂😂#LankaPremierLeague #LPL2022 pic.twitter.com/6wDhmOyPcK
— Supun Tharaka (@Supun_Tharaka_1) December 7, 2022
Not the start we hoped for but, Dambulla Aura never backs down.
— Dambulla Aura (@dambullaAura) December 7, 2022
Let's come back strong! #dambullaaura #WeAreDambulla #LPL2022
63-0
— sanjay meena (@sanjayjatwara) December 7, 2022
110-9
Big fixing in lpl??#lpl2022#fixinginlpl
Jaffna Kings Won By 9 Wickets #LKA #SriLanka #DambullaAura #JaffnaKings #LPL2022 #LPLT20 https://t.co/oKFk0ZeCIt
— KalhanRan (@KalhanRan) December 7, 2022
Sadeera is another wasted talent in SL. I would rate him as most classiest stroke maker after Mahela. His shots are delightful to watch. As always selectors ran behind @NiroshanDikka #LPL2022
— ⓩⓐⓕⓝⓘ (@Mzafni) December 7, 2022
Wellalage, Viyaskanth and Sadeera are the ones who grabbed the opportunities given so far in #LPL2022
— Poornama🏏 (@iam_poor9) December 7, 2022
