Charith Asalanka smashed an explosive 56 off 24 balls, with 5 fours and 5 sixes, as Jaffna Titans cruised to a comfortable 40-run win over Colombo Jaguars in the Lanka T-10 Super League on Thursday. The match, held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, was the only game played on the second day (12). Asalanka was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
This was Jaffna Titans’ second consecutive win, during which they registered the highest team total so far in the tournament, scoring 138 for 6 wickets in 10 overs. The experienced pair of Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis, who scored 37 off 19 balls with 6 fours and a six, put on an 80-run second-wicket stand to set up Jaffna Titans’ challenging total. Colombo Jaguars skipper Angelo Mathews and Ali Khan claimed two wickets each.
Colombo Jaguars managed only 98 for 6 in their allotted 10 overs. Young off-spinner Treveen Mathew impressed again with figures of 3 for 18, following his brilliant 4 for 10 in the previous game against Hambantota Bangla Tigers. He has easily become the highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far.
The first two matches of the second day faced rain interruptions. The game between Kandy Bolts and Nuwara Eliya Kings was reduced to 3.3 overs, with Kandy scoring 38 for 1. The second match between Galle Marvels and Hambantota Bangla Tigers was abandoned without a single ball bowled. However, the third game, between Jaffna Titans and Colombo Jaguars, was played without any interruptions.
Galle Marvels-Nuwara Eliya Kings game called off
On the third day, rain once again disrupted the first game between Galle Marvels and Nuwara Eliya Kings, forcing it to be called off. Both teams shared one point each. When the game was halted, Galle Marvels were at 54 for 4 in 5.5 overs. Niroshan Dickwella, returning after suspension, scored 13, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa remained unbeaten on 12. Right-arm leg-spinner Dushan Hementha took 2 for 7 in his only over, putting pressure on Galle before the rain halted play.
Chief scores
Galle Marvels and Nuwara Eliya Kings – No result due to rain
Galle Marvels 53 for 4 wickets in 5.5 overs (Niroshan Dickwella 13, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 12*, Dushan Hementha 2/7) vs Nuwara Eliya Kings
Jaffna Titans beat Colombo Jaguars by 40 runs
Jaffna Titans 138 for 6 wickets in 10 overs (Kusal Mendis 37, Charith Asalanka 56, Tom Abell 13 ,Angelo Mathews 2/22,Ali Khan 2/20)
Colombo Jaguars 98 for 6 wickets in 10 overs (Daniel Lawrence 28, Najibullah Zadran 17, Asif Ali 13, Ramesh Mendis 15*, Treveen Mathew 3/18)
Dhammika Ratnaweera