COLOMBO: Jaffna Kings registered a seven-wicket win over Kandy Warriors as Shoaib Malik and Thisara Perera played blistering knocks to help their team win the rain-hit match in Lanka Premier League.

Malik and Perera played brilliant knocks to help the side chase down the 95-runs total in the ninth over. Malik scored unbeaten 14 runs off just nine balls including two boundaries, while Perera smashed 29 off just 13 balls, including four boundaries and a six.

Earlier, the top order also made small contributions to help the side chase down the total.

For the Warriors, Bhinura Fernando, Sachindu Colombage, and Nimesh Vimukthi each struck out a batter.

Batting first, the Warriors were off to a decent start as the openers laid a solid foundation. The opening pair added a 35-runs partnership.

Ahmed Shehzad looked promising but was stopped by his countryman, Malik, who castled the batter on 22.

Following Shahzad’s dismissal, Charith Asalanka recorded an important partnership with Minod Bhanuka. The pair added 49 runs before Bhanuka dismissed on 20. The pair played sensibly but were a touch too slow. The rest of the batters made small contributions at the death, and the Warriors, eventually, restricted to 94/2 in the allotted 12.2 overs. Asalanka top-scored with 44 off 34 balls laced with two boundaries and as many sixes.

For Kings, Malik and Wahab Riaz each took one wicket.

For his all-around performance, Malik was awarded as the player of the match.

With this victory, the Kings have claimed the top position in the points table, while the Warriors remained at fourth.

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