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Scorer: K Vairavan | Commentator: Shashwat Kumar
6:56pm Right. That will be a wrap from us for this game. But the action in the LPL does not stop. The Colombo Stars will take on the Jaffna Kings in a bit, with both teams looking to climb further up the table. Do join us for that game but until next time, this is me (Shashwat) signing off on behalf of Vairavan and George. Goodbye, and take care!
Kusal Mendis, Galle Gladiators captain: (How important was the toss) The same wicket was used yesterday and that is why we wanted to bat first. The slower balls by the fast bowlers was hard on this wicket. Sandakan bowled well, Dabare and Nuwanidu batted well too.
Wanindu Hasaranga, Kandy Falcons captain: Not much (on the importance of the toss). We got four wickets in the powerplay but we then conceded too many runs in the middle overs. (On the pitch) We lost three-four wickets in the middle overs, and that is why we lost the game.
Thanuka Dabare is the Player of the Match for his 51-ball 70, and he deserves every bit of it!
Time for the post-match presentation!
6:50pm Phew, that was some match, from the Gladiators' perspective at least. A proper rollercoaster ride that began with them being reduced to 10/4 at one stage, only to put up what turned out to be a good enough total. With the ball, they never let their intensity drop. They stitched together a solid powerplay, followed it up with a tidy display in the middle overs, and ultimately closed out the game, despite Bandara and Karunaratne teeing off. The Falcons, on the other hand, would look back at how they allowed the Gladiators to get away in the first innings. Their batting powerplay was not great either and once they fell behind the run-rate, they were always playing catch-up. They might have to revisit their batting order as well, considering how superb Karunaratne has been this season, and how influential Bandara is turning out to be.
Two legitimate deliveries, and the Gladiators are home
17 off 4. Udana on strike
24 runs required off the final over, and surely this game is now beyond the Falcons? Oh well. It seems the Gladiators have exceeded the time in which they needed to complete their overs. They will now have five fielders inside the ring, as opposed to four
Lakmal, Bopara tried their best to give Colombo Kings the crown, but it wasn't to be
Jaffna Kings and Kandy Falcons are the best-represented teams in our selection
Afif Hossain has replaced the batter, who has missed his team's last five LPL games after feeling dizzy following a diving catch during their season opener
For the Gladiators captain, his team displaying high intensity on the field has been a non-negotiable
Team captain says, 'I'm just happy to get on with playing my franchise cricket'
