The Hambantota Bangla Tigers delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Kandy Bolts by 47 runs in a high-octane clash in the Lanka T10 Super League at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. With explosive batting and clinical bowling, the Tigers left no room for their opponents to stage a comeback.
Batting first, the Bangla Tigers posted a massive 163/6 in their 10 overs, despite losing Kusal Perera early. Afghanistan’s Mohammad Shahzad led the charge with a sensational 52 off just 18 balls, hitting three sixes and seven boundaries. Skipper Dasun Shanaka provided strong support, remaining unbeaten on 39 off 15 deliveries, ensuring a formidable finish.
Contributions from Dhananjaya Lakshan (18 off 7), Isuru Udana (11 off 5), and Sabbir Rahman (13* off 3) added crucial runs to the total, putting immense pressure on the Kandy Bolts.
Defending 163, the Bangla Tigers’ bowlers dominated the Bolts’ batting lineup, restricting them to 116/9. Tharindu Ratnayake was the standout bowler, claiming an impressive 4/10 in his two overs. Shanaka, adding to his all-round performance, took two wickets, while Lakshan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, and Udana picked up a wicket each. The Tigers’ disciplined bowling ensured a comfortable victory.
This victory followed another strong performance by the Bangla Tigers earlier in the tournament, where they defeated Nuwara Eliya Kings by seven wickets in a low-scoring match.
The Kings managed just 82/6 in their 10 overs, struggling against Richard Gleeson’s fiery spell of 3/23. Despite resistance from skipper Saurabh Tiwary (26 off 20) and Benny Howell (29 off 14), the Kings fell short of a competitive target.
In response, the Bangla Tigers chased down the target in just 7.1 overs. Although Shahzad was dismissed on the first ball, Kusal Perera steadied the innings with a quickfire 33 off 15 balls. Shanaka (20 off 10) and Shevon Daniel (17* off 12) played crucial roles, while Sabbir Rahman (11* off 5) finished the match with flair.