Shadab's valiant spell goes in vain as Marvels beat Strikers in LPL Clash

In the fifth match of the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL), Galle Marvels emerged victorious against Colombo Strikers in a thrilling contest, winning by seven runs at Pallekele.

After being put to bat first, the Galle Marvels managed to post a total of 179 runs before being bowled out. The innings was anchored by skipper Niroshan Dickwella, who scored a quickfire 50 runs off just 18 balls, featuring six boundaries and three sixes. Isuru Udana also significantly contributed with a 34-ball 52, which included five boundaries and three sixes.

Colombo Strikers' Shadab Khan was the standout bowler of the match. The leg-spinner delivered an exceptional spell, taking four crucial wickets while conceding only 21 runs at an impressive economy rate of 5.25. 

Shadab's victims included key players like Dickwella (50), Tim Seifert (12), Janith Liyanage (2), and Dwaine Pretorius (5), putting the brakes on Marvels' scoring rate.

In their chase of 180, Colombo Strikers fell short, managing to score only 172 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Dunith Wellalage was the top-scorer for the Strikers, with a brisk 45 runs off 26 balls, which included five boundaries and two sixes. Despite the efforts of their batsmen, the Strikers couldn't cross the finish line.

Shadab was dismissed for a duck by Malsha Tharupathi, adding to the pressure on his team during the chase. 

It is worth noting that the Pakistan all-rounder representing Colombo Strikers is currently the tournament's leading wicket-taker, with 8 wickets in 2 matches, including a hat-trick in the opening match, and boasts an economy rate of 5.37.