Jaffna Stallions became the second team to qualify for the finals of the Lanka Premier League after defeating Dambulla Viiking on Monday. The bowlers did an exceptional job while defending a total 166 runs set by their batsmen in the first inning.
Wanindu Hasaranga picked the most 3/15 in his spell including a maiden over against the Viiking at the
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium.
Earlier, Dambulla Viiking had won the toss and opt to bowl first considering the amount of help to the bowlers in the first inning.
Johnson Charles scored the highest 76 runs off 56 balls, skewing ten boundaries and a six in his inning, also took the side to a total of 165/9 in 20 overs.
Malinda Pushpakumara took 2/24 with an economy rate of 6.00, followed by a wicket each from Lahiru Kumara, Anwar Ali and R Mendis chipping in with a wicket each.
Four of Stallions batsmen got run-out in a catastrophic row of fall of wickets during their inning.
Dambulla Viiking started off on a disappointing note after Suranga Lakmal struck by taking down Samit Patel (10 runs). The very next over saw Dhananjaya de Silva striking by removing Angelo Perera (5 runs) in the third over.
One by one, Viiking batsmen fell prey to the Stallions mighty bowling and eventually losing all the wickets for 128 runs under 20 overs. Upul Tharanga scored the highest 33 runs while the skipper Dasun Sanaka gave away his wicket in a bizarre run-out. Viiking never seemed to put up a fight and lost the game by 37 runs and the chance to the finals.
Johnson Charles was adjudged the player of the match for his knock that helped his side win the game and now they will face Galle Gladiators in the finals on December 16.
