Dismal Performances by Towhid Hridoy and Mustafizur Rahman as Dambulla Sixers Lose in LPL

In the 5th edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), only three Bangladeshi cricketers are participating. Two of them, Mustafizur Rahman and Towhid Hridoy, are playing for Dambulla Sixers. Dambulla faced Kandy Falcons on the opening day of the five-team tournament.

However, Dambulla Sixers had a poor start, losing their opening match by a significant margin of 6 wickets. Both Towhid Hridoy and Mustafizur Rahman failed to shine on the day their team lost.

At the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla Sixers batted first after losing the toss. Their start was forgettable as they lost 4 wickets for just 25 runs in 4.1 overs. Pakistan’s Mohammad Hasnain took 1 wicket, while Dasun Shanaka claimed the other 3.

Towhid Hridoy was trapped leg before wicket after scoring only 1 run off 2 balls.

However, Mark Chapman and Chamindu Wickramasinghe later built an unbroken partnership of 154 runs. New Zealand recruit Chapman remained unbeaten with 91 runs off 61 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. Wickramasinghe scored an unbeaten 62 off 42 balls, with 4 fours and 3 sixes.

Dambulla Sixers managed to post a total of 179 for 4 in their 20 overs. For Kandy Falcons, Dasun Shanaka took 3 wickets for 20 runs.

In reply, Kandy Falcons lost Andre Fletcher’s wicket early. Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Mohammad Haris, who scored only 5 runs off 8 balls.

Opener Dinesh Chandimal continued to play aggressively, scoring 65 runs off 40 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes before getting out. Kamindu Mendis supported him with 27 runs off 20 balls.

After these two were dismissed, Dasun Shanaka led the charge, scoring an unbeaten 46 runs off just 15 balls, with 3 fours and 5 sixes. Angelo Mathews also remained not out, scoring 37 runs off 20 balls.

Kandy secured the win with 16 balls and 6 wickets to spare. Mustafizur Rahman conceded 44 runs in his 3 overs.

Dasun Shanaka was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.