In a match played in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2022 on Sunday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, the defending champions Jaffna Kings defeated Dambulla Aura by 51 runs.
The Jaffna Kings scored a staggering 240 runs in their opening innings while losing only four wickets. Shevon Daniel and Jordan Cox started the first two innings of the Dambulla Aura response. Jordan was however ordered by Binura Fernando to return to the pavilion for 5 runs.
Shevon and Bhanuka Rajapaksa shared a partnership of 24 runs until Shevon was struck out by Binura Fernando. Bhanuka scored 38 runs off of 31 balls, including 5 extra-point hits.
Dasun Shanaka, the captain, scored a quickfire 44 from 23 balls toward the conclusion of the innings. Four boundaries and three sixes were scattered across his innings. At 19 from 13 balls, Ravindu Fernando was still standing. Dambulla Aura missed the goal by 51 runs.
Binura Fernando was the standout bowler for Jaffna Kings, taking 4-22 from his allowed four overs. On the other side, Dhananjaya de Silva and Dilshan Madushanka each took one wicket, while Suminda took two.
Earlier, Dambulla Aura chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a fantastic knock for the Jaffna Kings. He made an outstanding 73 runs off of 35 balls. Five sixes and seven boundaries were part of his innings.
Avishka Fernando, who scored 54 runs off of 30 balls, provided strong support for Gurbaz. Six boundaries and two sixes were thrown into his innings. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Shoaib Malik each contributed 32 and 38 not out runs.
Lahiru Kumara took 2-56 for Dambulla Aura, while Pramod Madushan and Dushan Hemantha each took one wicket.