LPL 2023: Wanindu Hasaranga's all-round performance helps B-Love Kandy beat Galle Titans by 89 runs

In a Lanka Premier League encounter on Tuesday, B-Love Kandy (BLK) beat Galle Titans (GLT) by 89 runs. The game saw BLK skipper Wanindu Hasaranga shine both with the bat and the ball, securing a convincing victory for his team. Having taken up the captaincy mantle for BLK, Hasaranga's all-round brilliance was on full display.

Coming in to bat at number 5, he unleashed a breathtaking inning, crafting 64 runs off just 27 balls. What set this knock apart was his sheer speed, reaching fifty in a mere 18 balls—the fastest half-century of the ongoing season and third fastest in the history of the tournament. Furthermore, this achievement etched his name in history, marking the fastest fifty ever recorded by a Sri Lankan player in the history of the league.

It's worth noting that in their last league game, Hasaranga scored an unbeaten 52 runs in just 22 balls against Jaffna Kings. Meanwhile, with his amazing batting performance, BLK crossed the 200-run mark and posted a massive total of 203/5 in 20 overs. Apart from Hasaranga, Fakhar Zaman and Angelo Mathews also scored in the 40s and helped BKL post a massive total.

Galle succumbed to Wanindu Hasaranga's all-around performance

In reply, the Galle Titans' chase unravelled swiftly as they struggled to counter the relentless pressure exerted by BLK bowlers. Lahiru Samarkoon emerged as the leading run-scorer for the Titans, contributing 36 runs. However, the collective efforts of the BLK attack, spearheaded by Hasaranga, proved too much for the opposition. The Galle Titans were bundled out for 114 runs by the 17th over, sealing a comprehensive victory for B-Luv Kandy.

In this game, Hasaranga's exceptional performance wasn't limited to batting alone. Hasaranga's prowess extended to the bowling department as well. He orchestrated a sensational opening spell by dismissing the opener, Lasith Kruspule, followed by the prized wicket of Shakib Al Hasan. The icing on the cake came in his final over, where he added two more wickets to his tally. Concluding his spell with figures of 4 wickets for a mere 17 runs in 3.4 overs.