After all those losses I think we did well to make a comeback: Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka was elated after his side's first win in the tournament (Source: Twitter)

The 15th game of the ongoing edition of the Lanka Premier League saw Dambulla Aura registering their first win of the tournament by handing a 48-run defeat to the Galle Gladiators.

After winning the coin toss and electing to bat first, Dambulla posted a competitive total of 178/5 on the board courtesy of two brilliant innings from the openers Shevon Daniel and Jordan Cox. 

The duo forged a record 163-run stand for the first wicket. Galle pacer Nuwan Pradeep finally broke the partnership as Shevon Daniel departed for a well-made 80 (55), including 5 fours and 5 sixes. Captain Shanaka promoted himself to number 3 but couldn't do much damage as Pradeep accounted for his wicket. A score of 178/5 proved to be pretty stiff for the Gladiators as they lost both their openers in the powerplay.

Lahiru Udara and Asad Shafiq tried to steady the ship with a 41-run partnership, but then came Pramod Madushan who broke the partnership. After Shafiq's departure, the Gladiators lost their way completely and eventually fell short of the target by 48 runs.

Before this game, Dambulla had lost all their five games and they were on the verge of being knocked out of the league stage, but a win against Gladiators will keep them alive in the tournament.

Here's what Shanaka said after the match:

“We gave our hundred percent today and the boys prepared well leading up to today’s game. We were mentally prepared as well for this fixture. Cox and Daniel were outstanding today. After all those losses I think we did well to make a comeback here in this match."

ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra predicts CSK’s two overseas buys in the mini-auction