The exciting action continued in the Lanka Premier League 2022 as Kandy Falcons and Colombo Stars locked horns in Qualifier 2 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Both teams gave their all on the field as a spot in the final was at stake. Colombo Stars led by their captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Kandy Falcons’ openers Pathum Nissanka and Andre Fletcher walked out to the middle to give their side a blazing start to the innings. However, all their hopes were shattered as they faced Kasun Rajitha who dismissed them in the first over itself giving the Falcons an early blow.
Kamindu Mendis and Ashen Bandara got together at the crease and added 38 runs for the third wicket to stabilise the innings. However, Mendis couldn’t continue his innings as he got cleaned up by Mohammad Nabi which brought captain Wanindu Hasaranga to the crease. Hasaranga looked determined to take his team out of misery as he built a solid partnership with Bandara. Bandara played the second fiddle with Hasarangra smashing the ball to all parts of the ground.
The duo were involved in a 92-run stand for the fourth wicket. Some fireworks towards the end of the innings by Carlos Brathwaite took Falcons to the total of 168/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Hasaranga remained unbeaten on a sensational 77 off 34 balls. Kasun Rajitha was the pick of the bowlers for Stars who picked up 4/20 in his four overs.
Colombo Stars reach the final of Lanka Premier League 2022
The Stars didn’t get the best of the starts to their chase as they lost their opener Nishan Madushka on the score of 13. However, a solid partnership of 90 runs between Dinesh Chandimal and Charith Asalanka for the second wicket ensured that there were no early hiccups in the chase. Asalanka scored a magnificent 64 off 40 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes.
After the partnership ended, Stars lost wickets quickly and were 124/4 in 14.4 overs. But Ravi Bopara and Angelo Mathews ensured that they chase down the total with 7 balls to spare courtesy of the 46-run stand for the fifth wicket. As a result, the Falcons won the match by six wickets and sealed a place in the final with Jaffna Kings which will be played on Friday. Kasun Rajitha was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his magnificent bowling spell.
Kandy Falcons 168/6 (20 overs)
Wanindu Hasaranga 77 (34) Kasun Rajitha 4/20 (4 overs)
Colombo Stars 169/4 (18.5 overs)
Charith Asalanka 64(40) Kaminu Mendis 2/26 (4 overs)
