Kandy Bolts secured a crucial 5-run victory over Nuwara Eliya Kings on Tuesday in the ongoing Lanka T10 Super League at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The win ensured Kandy Bolts a spot in the Eliminator match against Galle Marvels, while Hambantota Bangla Tigers moved to the Qualifier 1 after defeating Galle Marvels in a low-scoring encounter.
In their clash against Nuwara Eliya Kings, Kandy Bolts posted a competitive total of 111/9 in 10 overs, courtesy of strong batting performances from opener Pathum Nissanka and Shehan Jayasuriya. Nissanka’s aggressive knock of 41 off 14 balls set the tone, while Jayasuriya added a quickfire 33 off 11 balls. For Nuwara Eliya Kings, Kasun Rajitha starred with the ball, taking 4/16 in two overs, while Lahiru Madushanka chipped in with figures of 2/9.
Chasing 112, Nuwara Eliya Kings got off to a solid start, with Kyle Mayers (36 off 15 balls) and Avishka Fernando adding 42 runs for the first wicket in just 3.2 overs. However, after Mayers’ dismissal, a mini-collapse derailed the chase. Despite Fernando’s unbeaten 50 off 26 balls, the Kings fell short, finishing at 106/5 in their 10 overs.
In another key fixture, Hambantota Bangla Tigers defeated Galle Marvels by 5 wickets in a low-scoring thriller. Galle Marvels struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 82/6 in 10 overs. Shakib Al Hasan was the lone standout for the Marvels, scoring an unbeaten 43 off 19 balls. The Bangla Tigers’ bowlers, led by Pathum Nissanka and Shehan Jayasuriya, kept the Marvels’ batters in check, while Jeffrey Vandersay and Binura Fernando picked up two wickets each.
Chasing a modest target of 83, the Bangla Tigers faced early setbacks but skipper Shevon Daniel and Mosaddek Hossain held their nerves to steer the team home in the final over.
With this win, the Hambantota Bangla Tigers climbed to the second spot on the points table and will face Jaffna Titans in Qualifier 1. Meanwhile, Galle Marvels will play Kandy Bolts in the Eliminator.
The winner of Qualifier 1 will secure a direct spot in the final, while the losing team will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator.