Lanka Premier League Semi-finals 1: Galle Gladiators stun Colombo Kings in a thrilling encounter

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It was an amazing game of cricket as Galle Gladiators stunned Colombo Kings in the first semi-finals of the Lanka Premier League played at MRIECS Stadium, Hambantota on Sunday.

Gladiators captain Bhanuka Rajapaksa won the toss and decided to field first. It was an ideal start for the Gladiators as Thusara got rid of Lahiru Udara cheaply for 1. Daniel Bell Drummond survived two chances once given not out on catch and once dropped. Dinesh Chandimal looked in decent touch before Lakshan got rid of Kings captain Chandimal. At the end of the first six overs, Colombo Kings made 32 for 2.

Bell Drummond looked in decent touch and kept on putting pressure on Gladiators bowlers. On the other hand, Mathews struggled to time the ball. Sandakan got rid of Mathews to leave Kings in some trouble. Sandakan dismissed Andre Russell with a review for caught behind. The umpires gave it not out and the decision was overturned to out leaving Colombo Kings at 75 for 4.

Bell Drummond remained calm and reached his half-century off 41 balls. He was eventually dismissed for a superb 70 off 53 balls. Isuru Udana provided the flourish in the end scoring a quickfire 19 off 11 to help Colombo Kings post 150 for 9 in 20 overs.

Chasing 151 runs to win, Danushka Gunathilaka looked in fine touch before being dismissed by Priyanjan. Mathews bowled stump to stump and got rid of Ahsan Ali to leave Gladiators in some trouble at 17 for 2. Azam Khan and Bhanuka Rajapaksa steadied the innings with some lovely stroke play putting pressure on Kings bowlers. Chameera dismissed Rajapaksa to end the power play overs at 57 for 3.

Gladiators went into big trouble as Rajapaksa and Arachchighe were dismissed off successive balls. Mathews left the field after bowling one ball in the 12th over. Qais Ahmed struck to get rid of Ruwansiri to leave Gladiators in some trouble at 98 for 6.

Isuru Udana struggled with his leg injury after diving to save a boundary. Shehan Jayasuriya was run out. Dhanjaya Lakshan provided some impetus with some strokes to make the equation in favor of Gladiators. With 17 runs needed off 12 balls, Thilkisha de Silva bowled a superb 19th over giving away just 2 runs and took the wicket of Mohammad Aamir.

Qais Ahmed dropped a sitter to dismiss Lakshan. After the drop, Lakshan smashed a six to make the match interesting. Lakshan Sandakan smashed a lovely boundary to help Gladiators register a thrilling 3 wickets win.

Galle Gladiators 151 for 8 in 19.5 overs ( Bhanuka Rajapaksa 33, Lakshan 31*, Qais Ahmed 1/27) beat Colombo Kings 150 of 9 in 20 overs ( Bell Drummond 70, Lakshan Sandakan 3/32, Dhanajaya Lakshan 2/27) by 3 wickets.

For his all-round performance, Dhanajaya Lakshan was named the man of the match award.









Galle Gladiators stun Colombo Kings in the first semi-finals of LPL 

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