Colombo Stars open their account with a close win over Dambulla
Colombo Stars secured a nine-run victory over Dambulla Aura in Match 5 of the Lanka Premier League 2022 at Hambantota.
Dickwella steers Stars post a strong total
Opting to bat first, Colombo Stars were off to a bad start with the wickets of Angelo Mathews (4) and Charith Asalanka (6). The opening batter Niroshan Dickwella strung partnerships with Ravi Bopara (26) to put the team on track.
After Dickwella perished for a well-compiled 62 off 41, Dinesh Chandimal continued the team's momentum. Along with Chandimal (29), the Stars yet again got valuable contributions from Dominic Drakes (18) which paved them to pst 165 on the board. Lahiru Kumara scalped five wickets for Dambulla.
Dambulla fall short
Openers Shevon Daniel (28) and Jordan Cox (29) were impressive to provide a good start for Dambulla. Afterwards, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (17) and Tom Abell (33) did well to keep the team in the hunt.
However, the failure of Sikandar Raza (0) and Lahiru Madushanka (4) hurt the team's chances. The skipper Dasun Shanka (31*) tried well but Dambulla fell short of nine runs and could not open their account.
Suranga Lakmal, Drakes and Karim Janat scalped two wickets apiece for the Stars' first victory in the LPL 2022.
Brief Scores:
Colombo Stars - 165/9 (20)
Niroshan Dickwella 62 (41), Dinesh Chandimal 29 (23);
Lahiru Kumara 4/36, Lahiru Madushanka 1/7
Dambulla Aura - 156/7 (20)
Tom Abell 33 (22), Dasun Shanaka 31* (20);
Suranga Lakmal 2/29, Karim Janat 2/30
Result: Colombo Stars won by 9 runs
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