Maheesh and Chaturanga steer Jaffna Kings
Two spinners Maheesh Theekshana 3 for 21 and Chaturanga de Silva 4 for 16 assisted the Jaffna Kings to notch up an easy seven wicket win over Dambulla Giants in their LPL game played at R. Premadasa International cricket stadium yesterday. With this victory Jaffna Kings came top of the points table and also became the first side to qualify for play off.
Jaffna Kings chasing their 70 runs target reached comfortable in 9.2 overs with seven wickets in hand while Wanindu Hasaranga who was promoted in the batting order making 37 in 18 balls. He scored five fours and two sixes and opener Avishka Fernando scored an unbeaten 22 in 17 balls including two fours and a six ensured their easy win with 64 balls to spare.
Earlier Dambulla Giants put into bat first were restricted to 69 with Jaffna Kings mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana picking up two wickets of Niroshan Dikwella (1) and Sohaib Maqsood(0). Theekshana took 3 for 21 in spell dimissing three of Giant’s top order wickets and then leg spinner elder brother of Wanindu, Chaturanga de Silva did most of the damage with a career best in T -20 figures of 4 for 16 as Giants were bowled out for 69 in 14.1 overs which was the lowest team total of the tournament.
Chaturanga de Silva was adjudicated as the ‘ Man of the Match’ for his bowling endeavour .
Chief scores
Dambulla Giants 69 all out in 14.1 overs Phil Salt 23, Tharindu Ratnayake 14, Maheesh Theekshana 3/21, Chaturanga de Silva 4/16
Jaffna Kings 71 for 3 wickets in 9.2 overs Avishka Fernando 22 n.o, Wanindu Hasaranga 37, Imran Thahir 2/21
