Asalanka confident ahead of third LPL leg
Jaffna Kings skipper Charith Asalanka (left) briefs the media, with Dambulla Sixes skipper Mohammad Nabi, Colombo Strikers skipper Thisara Perera, Galle Marvels skipper Niroshan Dickwella, and Kandy Falcons vice-captain Kamindu Mendis also in the picture (courtesy of SLC).Jaffna Kings skipper Charith Asalanka (left) briefs the media, with Dambulla Sixes skipper Mohammad Nabi, Colombo Strikers skipper Thisara Perera, Galle Marvels skipper Niroshan Dickwella, and Kandy Falcons vice-captain Kamindu Mendis also in the picture (courtesy of SLC).
After the first and second LPL legs at Pallekele and Dambulla, we are in a good position to lead the points table, said Jaffna Kings skipper Charith Asalanka yesterday. “My batsmen and bowlers have worked hard for our success and are eager to play the third leg today ) at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.” Jaffna Kings will meet Kandy Falcons , with the match scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.
Jaffna Kings skipper Charith Asalanka praised the emergence of young players during this tournament and the return to form of many National players, calling it a good sign for the LPL. “We had good wickets at Pallekele and Dambulla and expect the same in Colombo for the last leg. The bowlers faced a big challenge on these batting tracks but have done a decent job so far,” added Asalanka.
Kandy Falcons vice-captain Kamindu Mendis said, “We have two more matches left. We’ve only won two games so far, despite playing well. Some matches were very close. Our skipper Wanindu Hasaranga is unwell, but we hope he’ll be back for today’s game. Dinesh Chandimal has performed well, and we hope to break into the top four. The power blast overs (16-17) impacted our chases, but we can’t control the toss to bat second.”
Galle Marvels skipper Niroshan Dickwella said, “We had a chance to win five matches but won four, securing second place. We don’t focus much on the power blast overs. I played my normal game to start well. Our bowlers did well to restrict opponents, and the team stepped up at crucial moments. The toss was vital on the Dambulla wicket.”
Colombo Strikers skipper Thisara Perera noted the LPL’s improving standards, saying, “I played for Jaffna Kings in early editions, and now with Colombo, we’ve adjusted to different conditions. We can’t control the weather or the toss but have played good cricket.”
Dambulla Sixes skipper Mohammad Nabi is satisfied with his team’s performance so far. “We’re back on track with two wins. Our young all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe did well, and we hope to keep fighting in the next matches. The team has played well, and the atmosphere is great.”