Dinesh Chandimal’s sensational 89-run knock overshadowed the blazing hundred of Pathum Nissanka as Kandy Falcons completed the highest successful run-chase in LPL history against Jaffna Kings in the 11th match of the LPL 2024, played in Dambulla.
After winning the toss, the Kandy Falcons skipper chose to field first against Jaffna Kings. Nissanka was outstanding right from the beginning of their innings, completing a 21-ball fifty in just 4.4 overs, marking the fastest fifty in terms of overs in LPL history.
He dominated the opening wicket partnership with Mendis, adding 112 runs in 10.3 overs. Rilee Rossouw also played his part pretty much, blasting 41 off just 18 balls before becoming the second victim of Ramesh Mendis.
Soon after, Nissanka went on to bring up his maiden century in LPL as well as in his T20 career. The latter continued to cash in and ended up with the highest individual score of 119 in tournament’s history. He also smacked 16 fours and 4 sixes in that 59-ball knock.
Jaffna lost a few wickets in the latter part of their innings, but finished with a massive 224 runs for 7 wickets. Shanaka picked up 3/40 on the bowling front while Mendis was the most economical amongst the Kandy bowlers with 2/28 in 3 overs.
Chasing an uphill task, experienced Chandimal has given the Falcons the desperate start as they raced to three-figure mark in just 8.4 overs, despite losing Fletcher and Haris.
After reaching fifty off 22 balls, the senior pro continued to pile on the runs which put Kandy Falcons in the driving seat. He was well-set for a record hundred, but Shamsi got the huge wicket. He smashed 89, sparkling with eight fours and seven sixes which came off just 37 balls.
Then, Kamindu Mendis and Angelo Mathews shared an unbeaten 66-run stand coming off just 26 balls for the 4th wicket which helped Kandy Falcons pull off the record chase in Lanka Premier League history.
Mendis stroked an unbeaten 65 off 36 balls while Mathews remained not out with a 13-ball 29. Accordingly, after suffering three defeats in a row, they bounced back to seal their second win this season. Chandimal, who set the tone for this epic chase, won the Player of the Match award.
