Shoriful Expensive in High-Scoring LPL Match, but Kandy Falcons Triumph

In the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, today's match between Jaffna Kings and Kandy Falcons was a run-fest, with both teams collectively scoring 454 runs in 38.2 overs. Despite being expensive with the ball, Shoriful Islam ended up on the winning side.

Winning the toss and opting to field first, Kandy Falcons took to the field at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

For Jaffna Kings, opener Pathum Nissanka delivered a commanding century, scoring 119 runs off 59 balls with 16 fours and 4 sixes. Riley Rossouw scored 41 runs off 18 balls at a strike rate of over 200, while Avishka Fernando and Fabian Allen contributed with 16 off 7 and an unbeaten 10 off 5 balls, respectively.

Jaffna Kings posted a total of 224 runs for 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Dasun Shanaka was the standout bowler for Kandy Falcons, taking 3 wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera and Ramesh Mendis picked up 2 wickets each. Shoriful Islam, the sole Bangladeshi player for Kandy Falcons, conceded 47 runs in his 3 overs without taking a wicket.

Chasing a massive target, Kandy Falcons' openers came out all guns blazing. Dinesh Chandimal scored 89 runs off 37 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes, before getting out. Andre Fletcher chipped in with 13 runs off 6 balls.

Kamindu Mendis and Angelo Mathews then guided their team to victory. Mendis remained unbeaten on 65 runs off 36 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes, while Mathews scored an unbeaten 29 off 13 balls, with 2 fours and 2 sixes.

Kandy Falcons secured the win with 10 balls and 7 wickets in hand. Dinesh Chandimal was named Player of the Match.