In a rain of sixes under lights, Jaffna Kings reigned supreme by 14 runs over Kandy Warriors in a rain curtailed Sri Lanka Premier League match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.
The run riot was triggered by terrific half centuries by Jaffna Kings skipper, Thisara Perera who bludgeoned 53 off just 21 balls decked with 6 over the top and 2 boundaries and Avishka Fernando who pounded 53 off 23 illuminated by 7 sixes in a rollicking total of 181 for 6 off 14 overs in the rain reduced contest. The pair matched shot for shot in a third-wicket partnership of 105 runs off just 33 deliveries. Chathuranga de Silva 21 off 10 with 2 sixes and a boundary and Shoaib Malik 16 not out off 10 with 2 fours provided the final flourish to the innings.
The Kandy Warriors swift response of 166 for 5 off 14 overs was of worthy warrior stuff given the daunting target. Leading the run charge was Rovman Powell with an astounding 19-ball 61 showcased by 6 scorching strokes over the top and 2 to the ropes while Charith Asalanka unleashed 42 off 19 balls containing 5 fours and 2 sixes. Asalanka and Kenna Lewis with 41 off 36 (3×4, 2×6) set up the chase sharing in an absorbing first wicket partnership of 64 followed by 81 for the second wicket between Powell and Lewis. But with the game going down to the wire, Suranga Lakmal came to the fore in a last gasp tidy over to keep the warring Warriors at bay with his 1 for 25 off 3 overs outdoing the big guns with the bat to the Player of the Match award.