The Lanka T10 Super League began with a thrilling encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, where Jaffna Titans secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Hambantota Bangla Tigers in the tournament’s inaugural match.
Electing to field after winning the toss, the Titans made an explosive start as fast bowler Mohammad Amir trapped Kusal Perera lbw on the very first ball. Despite the early setback, Hambantota recovered with a solid 77-run stand between opener Mohammad Shahzad and captain Dasun Shanaka. Shahzad contributed a quick 22 off 15 balls, while Shanaka dazzled with a fiery 51 off just 17 deliveries, smashing five sixes and four fours.
Shanaka’s dismissal, however, led to a batting collapse, and Hambantota could only manage 106/8 in their allotted 10 overs. Young spinner Treveen Mathew was the standout performer for the Titans, delivering a brilliant spell with figures of 4/10 in two overs. Amir, Pramod Madushan, and Dwaine Pretorius also picked up a wicket each.
In reply, Jaffna Titans encountered an early hiccup as Nuwanidu Fernando was dismissed for a duck by Isuru Udana. However, England’s Tom Kohler-Cadmore stole the show with a scintillating knock. His unbeaten 57 off 21 balls, supported by Tom Abell’s 33* off 19, led the Titans to victory with 11 balls to spare.
Hambantota Bangla Tigers Squad: Maheesh Theekshana (Captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Binura Fernando, Alex Hales, Luke Wood, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Jeffrey Vandersay, Andre Fletcher, Zahoor Khan, Sandun Weerakkody, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kesrick Williams, Dumindu Sewmina, Sadisha Rajapaksa, and supporting staff led by head coach Graham Ford.
Jaffna Titans Squad: David Wiese (Captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Mohammad Amir, Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage, Dwaine Pretorius, Tom Abell, Pramod Madushan, Pavan Rathnayake, George Garton, Treveen Mathew, Kevin Wickham, and supporting staff led by head coach James Foster.