The Colombo Strikers showcased their true potential as they secured their first win in the Lanka Premier League 2023, delivering a stunning performance against B-Love Kandy at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The match witnessed Babar Azam, the Pakistan Captain, shine with both his captaincy and batting skills.
After posting a challenging total of 157-6 in the first innings, the Strikers demonstrated an exceptional bowling display, restricting Kandy to a mere 130-8. The credit goes to the brilliant bowling efforts of Naseem Shah and Matheesha Pathirana, who bagged five wickets between them, conceding only 43 runs in eight overs.
Babar Azam’s batting prowess was the highlight of the match as he stood like a rock, scoring 59 runs off 52 balls on a difficult batting track. Speaking about his approach to the innings, Babar said, “When we started, the pitch was behaving a bit two-paced. I realized building a partnership was crucial. After 10 overs, I expected the pitch to assist the spinners, and after 15 overs, we aimed to charge the opponents.”
He acknowledged the bowlers’ performance, saying, “The wicket was tricky, so the objective was to bat deep. Fortunately, everyone chipped in. The credit, however, goes to the bowlers who stood out.”
Among the bowlers, Naseem Shah’s exceptional first spell set the tone for the entire innings, earning him praise from Babar.
The Strikers’ all-out pace and tight bowling from spinners proved to be a formidable challenge for Kandy. Naseem Shah expressed his joy after securing the team’s first win, saying, “This victory gives us the momentum we need for the rest of the tournament. We hope to continue with this form.”
Coach Simon Helmot applauded the team’s efforts, stating, “Today, it was certainly a gutsy batting performance. Babar showed his class and maturity, batting deep and providing us a competitive total. The fielding and bowling were particularly sublime, resonating with the Colombo Strikers Brand.”
Captain Niroshan Dickwella echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging Babar’s contribution and praising the team’s overall performance.
The team owner, Sagar Khanna, expressed his delight after the stellar show and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make their debut tournament memorable.
With Babar Azam leading from the front and the team showcasing their mettle, the Colombo Strikers seem to have found their rhythm and will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in the remainder of the tournament.
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