Magnificent bowling effort help Falcons dominate Stars

Andre Fletcher (Source: Twitter)

In an outstanding effort from the Kandy Falcons, their team stunned Colombo Stars by first bowling them out for 106 and then chasing the score in 16 overs.

Karunaratne, Thomas too good

Choosing to bat on a Colombo wicket, Angelo Mathews-led Colombo were handed an early blow as they got the big wicket of Niroshan Dickwella in the very first over. However a solid 34-run partnership for second wicket gave them some hope but after that wickets continue to tumble.

In quick succession, they were 46/7 from 34/2 in a matter of just three overs with Chamika Karunaratne and Oshane Thomas wreaking havoc on the batters.

For the eighth wicket, 39-run partnership saved the boat as they reached 85 with less than four overs and just 2 wickets still remaining.

However, some last fight helped them recover but not to an extent to even call it par total as only 106 runs were made in their respective 20 overs.

Skipper Mathews top-scored with 41 whereas in the bowling department, Karunaratne and Thomas scalped 4 & 3 wickets respectively.

Falcons ease home with four overs remaining

Chasing 107 for victory, the Falcons lost one early as Minod Bhanuka departed in the second over but a strong resilient stand for the second wicket between Andre Fletcher and Kamindu Mendis did the job.

Both the batters batted together to stitch a marvellous 101-run unbeaten partnership to seal the victory for their side tonking bowlers left, right and centre.

The score was chased in just 16 overs giving the Falcons two easy points while maintaining the top position.

Brief Scores:

Colombo Stars: 106/10 (19.1 Overs)

Angelo Mathews 41 (38), Dinesh Chandimal 20 (17);
Chamika Karunaratne 4/11 (3.1), Oshane Thomas 3/20 (4)

Kandy Falcons: 108/1 (16 Overs)

Kamindu Mendis 51* (48), Andre Fletcher 44* (41);
Suranga Lakmal 1/19 (2)

Result: Kandy Falcons won by 9 wickets.

Also Read: Daniel, Cox record partnership helps Dambulla Aura to open their account