Dambulla Aura secured a 48-run victory over Galle Gladiators in Match 15 of the Lanka Premier League 2022 on Saturday at Colombo. It was their first victory in the 2022 season in sixth appearance.
Batting first, Dambulla Aura were off to a terrific start with their openers Shevon Daniel and Jordan Cox returning to form and firing all cylinders. The duo were sensational to lit up the field against a quality batting attack comprising Imad Wasim and Wahab Riaz.
The duo added 163 runs for the first wicket, which is the highest-ever partnership in LPL history. Daniel hit 80 off 55 balls, with five fours and as many sixes. Jordan hit 77 off 58 balls while hitting six fours and three maximums.
In the end, Dasun Shanaka hit 12 off 5, which paved way for Dambulla to post 178 on the board. Nuwan Pradeep picked three wickets for the Gladiators.
In response to a stiff chase, Thanuka Dabare (4) and Kusal Mendis (0) fell early. Nevertheless, Lahiru Udara (32) and Asad Shafiq (28) put up a solid stand to stay alive in the pursuit of a chase. However, Pramod Madushan broke the blossoming stand by dismissing Shafiq.
Furthermore, the experienced campaigners like Iftikhar Ahmed (21) and Imad Wasim (3) could not bring their A-game to provide a support in the middle-order. Wahab Riaz (13) and Pradeep (10) lessened the losing deficit, as they were restricted to a total of 130.
Madushan was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, followed by Sikandar Raza with two scalps.
Brief Scores:
Dambulla Aura - 178/5 (20)
Shevon Daniel 80 (55), Jordan Cox 77 (58);
Nuwan Pradeep 3/37, Nuwan Thushara 1/29
Galle Gladiators - 130/10 (19.4)
Lahiru Udara 32 (32), Asad Shafiq 28 (14);
Pramod Madushan 3/17, Sikandar Raza 2/5
Result: Dambulla Aura won by 48 runs
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