COLOMBO: Galle Gladiators’ batters put on a show; posting 188/5, followed by Nuwan Thushara’s five-fer; assisting the side to thump Jaffna Kings in the first qualifier of Lanka Premier League (LPL).
Thushara’s match winning bowling figures of 5/14, made the proceedings easier for the Gladiators, who thumped the Kings by a massive 64 runs, booking their place in the final of the LPL season 2.
Chasing 189, the Kings started brilliantly, with a six off the first ball, but, Mohammad Amir roared back at Avishka Fernando; dismissing him the next ball. The batter scored six off two deliveries.
Following his dismissal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, tried to anchor the innings, but found no one by his side, doing so. The Kings, kept losing wicket at a consistent rate; being eventually, bowled out for a paltry 129 in the 17th over. Gurbaz top-scored with a valiant 59 off 37 balls; smashing four boundaries and three sixes.
For the Gladiators, Thushara claimed three wickets, while Amir, Isuru Udana, Pulina Tharanga, and Anwar Ali, each took a wicket.
Batting first, the Gladiators’ openers, provided an eye-catching start to the side, with both scoring half-centuries; the pair added an impressive 121-runs partnership. Danushka Gunathilaka departed after scoring 55 off just 42 balls; smashing six boundaries and a maximum.
Kusal Mendis, on the other hand, was even more sound; scoring 85 off just 53 balls, laced with seven boundaries and four sixes, Mendis remained the top-scorer for the Gladiators.
The rest of their batters, also chipped in with significance, assisting the side to post a commendable total on the board.
For the Kings, Wahab Riaz and Thisara Perera each took two wickets, while Suranga Lakmal struck out a batter.
With this victory, the Gladiators have advanced into the final, while the Kings will now face Dambulla Giants in the second qualifier of the event, tomorrow.
