LPL 2024 Eliminator: Kamindu Mendis Produces An 'All-Time Classic' Innings As Kandy Falcons Win A Thriller

LPL 2024 Eliminator: The reigning champions stun Colombo Strikers to win one of the most thrilling matches in recent memory. Here are the details. Read below.

Kamindu Mendis' 54 off 36 will always be remembered as one of the most iconic innings under pressure in the history of LPL, as this knock pulled off an improbable win for Kandy Falcons against Colombo Strikers in Eliminator of LPL 2024

Source : @ThePapareSports / X

LPL 2024 Eliminator: The match between Colombo Strikers and Kandy Falcons in the Eliminator of Lanka Premier League 2024 will forever be remebered as the 'Kamindu Mendis Match', as the Sri Lankan all-rounder played arguably his finest innings under pressure, as defending champions Kandy Falcons eliminate Colombo Strikers from LPL 2024.

🏏 CHASE CHALLENGE COMPLETED🏏

In a nail-biting Eliminator, Kandy Falcons 🦅 edge out Colombo Strikers 🐅 by 2 wickets! 💪
Kamindu Mendis' stellar 54 runs and key contributions from Dasun Shanaka and Andre Fletcher sealed the deal.#LPL2024 pic.twitter.com/k9l3e968dG

— LPL - Lanka Premier League (@LPLT20) July 18, 2024

Electing to bowl first, Kandy Falcons did extremely well to restrict Colombo Strikers under the 160-run mark, as the Thisara Perera-led side managed only 159 runs in their 20 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama saved the Strikers embarrassment by scoring a vital 62 off 45, as his innings ensured his side's bowlers to have a decent total to defend.

In reply, the reigning champions faltered and collapsed badly, as they were restricted to 83/6 in 10.2 overs. Needing 77 off 58, Falcons needed a partnership, but the loss of 6 wickets had put them under immense pressure.

However, Kamindu Mendis soaked in the pressure alongside Dasun Shanaka, as the pair managed to put up a match-winning partnership of 69 off 40, and this partnership ensured a near-certain victory for them. Ramesh Mendis scored the winning run, as Kandy Falcons defeated Colombo Strikers by 2 wickets.

Kamindu Mendis was deservingly awarded the 'Man of the Match', as he rescued defending champions Kandy Falcons from the jaws of defeat.

🏆 Player of the Match! 🏆

Kamindu Mendis shines with a brilliant 54 runs, leading the Falcons to a crucial victory. What a performance! 🌟🏏#LPL2024 pic.twitter.com/XoCvU3JBwd

— LPL - Lanka Premier League (@LPLT20) July 18, 2024

"Yeah, actually it was a good game. Credit goes to bowlers from both teams. When I went to the middle, we were like 60 odd for 5 and we thought we needed a partnership. The plan was to stay positive. Was a little bit nervous when I walked in to bat but good that we got over the line," said Kamindu Mendis.

 

Here's What Both The Captains Said During Post-Match Presentation Ceremony

Wanindu Hasaranga (Kandy Falcons Captain):

"I trust Dasun and Kamindu like always. We knew what Dasun is capable of and he showed that today. He has finished lots of games for Sri Lanka as well. As a captain I back him all the way. Credit goes to bowlers. They did well with the new ball and batters did well as well."

Thisara Perera (Colombo Strikers Captain):

"First of all I want to thank our owner, who believed in us but unfortunately, we failed to stand up to the expectations but it happens in cricket. As a bowling unit, we performed well throughout the tournament, but today we fell short by 10-15 runs with the bat. Kamindu and Dasun batted well under pressure. The LPL has been improving each year. I want to thank the organizers."