The eighth match of the Lanka Premier League between Dambulla Giants and Galle Gladiators was called off following incessant rain after Galle Gladiators had shortly commenced their innings facing 1.2 overs in reply to their opponents 159 for 7 off 20 overs at the R. Premadasa Stadium today. The heavy downpour began at 5.45 p.m. at which point Galle Gladiators openers Kusal Mendis was on 15 off 5 balls inclusive of a six and boundary and Dhanushka Gunathilaka on 3 off 3. Accordingly, both teams shared 1 point each.

There were no big doings with a substantial highest of 37 from skipper Dasun Shanaka off 32 balls inclusive of 3 boundaries and a six. Having got off to a sound start of 61 for 2 off 7.2 overs, the Giants were reduced to 79 for 5 after 8.4 overs with No or Ahamad accounting for the wickets of Niroshan Dickwella (30) and Najbullah Zadran for a duck in one over.

But Skipper Shanaka and Ramesh Mendis, who made an unbeaten 33 off 23 balls, revived the innings by a 45-run sixth wicket partnership as Dambulla Giants reached 124 for at the fall of Shanaka’s wicket.

Ramesh Mendis hit 2 boundaries and a six as he added a further 20 for the seventh wicket with Chamika Karunaratne who made 13 off 5 with a six and a boundary. Noor Ahmad and Nuwan Thushara claimed 2 for 24 apiece for Galle Gladiators.