Srinagar: After disappointing outing in first match, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam led from the front as he guided Colombo Strikers to beat B-Love Kandy by 27 runs, to register their first win in Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 on Monday.
Batting first Colombo Strikers loss their skipper Niroshan Dickwella for a mere 4 runs in the opening over. However, Babar Azam hold on to one end had a big stand with Nuwanidu Fernando. Together they built a crucial 60-run partnership, providing much-needed stability to the Strikers’ innings.
Undeterred by the fall of wickets at the other end, Babar displayed remarkable resilience, reaching his half-century in 48 deliveries.
Babar’s gritty knock of 59 runs from 52 balls played a crucial role in guiding Colombo Strikers to a respectable total of 157/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
With a challenging target of 158 runs to defend, the Strikers’ bowlers took center stage. Naseem Shah delivered a devastating opening spell, striking gold in the very first over by dismissing Thanuka Dabare lbw for just 4 runs. Naseem wasn’t done yet as he clean bowled the dangerous Kamindu Mendis in his first ball of the third over, leaving the opposition stunned.
Alongside Naseem’s brilliance, Jeffrey Vandersay and Matheesha Pathirana chipped in with timely wickets, constantly denting Kandy’s chances of a successful chase. Furthermore, Mohammad Nawaz proved economical and accounted for the dismissal of Aamer Jamal, conceding only 18 runs in his four-over spell.
B-Love Kandy could only reach 130/8 in their 20 overs, falling 27 runs short of the target.
Babar was declared the player of the match, marking his 20th Player of the Match award in T20 cricket.