Shanaka, Chandimal, Mathews stars as Kandy Falcons secure six-wicket win over Dambulla Sixers to kick off 2024 Lanka Premier League with a win

Kandy Falcons, the defending champions, began the 2024 Lanka Premier League season with a six-wicket victory over the Dambulla Sixers at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday, thanks to contributions from Dasun Shanaka, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews.

Dambulla, after being put in to bat by the Falcons, first posted a respectable 179-4 from their 20 overs. In reply the home side achieved the target with 16 balls to spare.

Earlier, Mark Chapman from New Zealand played a crucial unbeaten knock of 91 runs off 61 balls, which included eight fours and four sixes. Chamindu Wickramsinghe, an impressive young player from Kandy, showcased his talent in front of his home crowd by contributing 62 runs off 42 balls, with four fours and three sixes.

The duo shared an unbroken partnership of 154 runs for the fifth wicket in just 95 balls, helping Dambulla reach a competitive total of 179 for 4.

Dasun Shanaka was the standout bowler for the Falcons, picking up 3-20 in his four overs.

During the pursuit, despite an early dismissal of Fletcher for a duck, the Falcons reached 183-4 in 17.2 overs.

Opening batsman Dinesh Chandimal top-scored with a quick 65 off 40 balls, including six fours and three sixes.

Shanaka and Angelo Matthews finished the game with 46* off 15 balls and 37* off 20 balls, respectively. The pair shared an unbeaten 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket, guiding Kandy Falcons to victory in the 18th over. Today, two matches are scheduled, with Galle Marvels taking on Jaffna Kings at 3.00 p.m. and Kandy Falcons facing Colombo Strikers at 7.30 p.m.

Brief Scores:
Dambulla Sixers 179-4 off 20 overs (Mark Chapman 91, Chamindu Wickramsinghe 62, Dasun Shanaka 3-20)
Kandy Falcons 183-4 off 17.2 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 65, Dasun Shanaka 46, Angelo Matthews 37)