Mohammad Haris’ fifty in vain as Colombo Strikers beat Kandy Falcons in LPL 2024

The Colombo Strikers maintained their composure to clinch a tight two-run victory over the Kandy Falcons in Lanka Premier League action last Saturday.

Batting first at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, the Strikers posted 199-9 in their allotted 20 overs.

New Zealand's Glenn Phillips starred with a brisk 70 off 43 balls, supported by Angelo Perera's 38 off 23 balls and a quick cameo from Shadab, who added 23 runs from just 12 balls, including two fours and a six.

In reply, the Falcons, despite contributions from Mohammad Haris, Andre Fletcher, Kamindu Mendis, and Angelo Mathews, fell short, finishing at 197-8.

Haris top-scored with 56 off 32 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes, while Fletcher contributed 47 off 36 balls with five fours and two sixes. Matheesha Pathirana starred with the ball for the Strikers, taking 4-26 from his four overs.

The Falcons almost pulled off a remarkable win, needing 20 runs off the final over.

However, Strikers' captain Thisara Perera, who had bowled sparingly until then, took charge and bowled the last over himself. He dismissed Chaturanga de Silva off the first ball and conceded a single off the second. Angelo Mathews then smashed a six, a four, and another six off the next three balls, leaving the Falcons needing three runs off the final delivery. Perera kept his cool, dismissing Mathews off the last ball of the match for 33 runs, securing the narrow win for the Strikers.

Full Scores:

Colombo Strikers 199-9 off 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 70, Angelo Perera 38, Dushmantha Chameera 3-40, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-37, Shoriful Islam 2-43)

Kandy Falcons 197-8 off 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 56, Andre Fletcher 47, Kamindu Mendis 36, Angelo Mathews 33, Matheesha Pathirana 4-26)