Kamindu Mendis’ innings helps Kandy Falcons win.
2024.07.19
The incumbent champions upset Colombo Strikers to win one of the most dramatic games in recent memory.
The match between Colombo Strikers and Kandy Falcons in the Eliminator of the Lanka Premier League 2024 will be remembered as the ‘Kamindu Mendis Match’, as the Sri Lankan all-rounder played arguably his best innings under pressure, allowing defending champions Kandy Falcons to eliminate Colombo Strikers from the league.
Choosing to bowl first, Kandy Falcons performed an excellent job of keeping Colombo Strikers under 160 runs, with the Thisara Perera-led side scoring only 159 runs in 20 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama saved the Strikers from disgrace by making a crucial 62 off 45, ensuring that his team’s bowlers had a respectable score to defend.
In reply, the reigning champions stuttered and crumbled spectacularly, being reduced to 83/6 in 10.2 overs. The Falcons required 77 off 58 and a partnership, but the loss of six wickets had placed them under tremendous strain.
However, Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka soaked up the pressure and combined for a match-winning combination of 69 off 40, ensuring a near-certain victory for them. Ramesh Mendis got the winning run as Kandy Falcons beat Colombo Strikers by two wickets.
Colombo Strikers • 159/8(20 overs)
Sadeera Samarawickrama 62 (45) Mohammad Hasnain 3/24 (3)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz 30 (29) Wanindu Hasaranga 2/21 (4)
Kandy Falcons • 163/8(18.4 overs)
Kamindu Mendis 54 (36) Binura Fernando 3/35 (4)
Dasun Shanaka 39 (21) Matheesha Pathirana 3/38 (4)
@charith rajapaksha
