LPL : Colombo Strikers defeat B-Love Kandy by 9 runs

LPL : Colombo Strikers defeat B-Love Kandy by 9 runs
Colombo

Colombo Strikers emerged victorious in a must-win game at the R Premidasa Stadium in Colombo, defeating B-Love Kandy by 9 runs in the Lanka Premier League on Sunday. Their victory was powered by top-quality knocks from Pathum Nissanka and debutant Nipun Dhananjaya to help the Strikers reach an impressive total of 169/9. While the B-love Kandy looked menacing in their chase, their innings was derailed through lethal spells from Matheesha Pathirana and Jeffrey Vandersay, who picked up two wickets each, along with shrewd powerplay bowling from Naseem Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed.

Matheesha Pathirana’s spell of four overs saw him get two crucial wickets of Asif Ali and Ashen Bandara, who were well entrenched in a dangerous partnership. On his sensational spell, he said, “I think we did well as a team. Whenever I step onto the ground, I try to limit the runs conceded by my bowling. I focus on not conceding boundaries, which puts pressure on the batsman. We are thrilled to have gotten this victory and hopefully, we can secure another one in our next match.”

Meanwhile, ace all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed remarked, “I think the wicket was friendly for bowlers, but we still did well to restrict them. I think Naseem Shah is one of the best new ball bowlers in the world, and it showed today.”
Echoing his teammate’s sentiment, Naseem Shah also lauded the team’s effort, “I think everybody contributed today, it is not easy to bounce back after a few losses, but we put in excellent performances with the bat and ball.”
The Colombo Strikers will take on Galle Titans on Tuesday, August 15 in a critical match that will see both teams competing for a coveted berth in the upcoming playoffs.