LPL 2024: Mark Chapman's Heroics Fall Short As Defending Champions Kandy Falcons Prevail In The Opener

LPL 2024: Mark Chapman's 91 wasn't enough to seal a Dambulla win, as reigning champions Kandy grab a winner in the tournament opener. Here are the details.

LPL 2024: The Lanka Premeir League 2024 commences and what a way to kick off the 5th season of the league, as reigning champions Kandy Falcons (formerly B-Love Kandy) beat Dambulla Titans by 6 wickets in the fixture at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Monday, July 1. It was a topsy-turvy match, as Dambulla did well to recover from 25/4 to register a historic unbeaten 154-run stand, but Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka spoiled the party for them, as they managed to chase down 180 with ease.

"It was a good pitch. Mark Chapman played a really good knock. Coming to Pallekele, everyone knows about the pitch and that it helps the batting. The 150-run partnership was a good comeback. We missed out on a few shots on this wicket. We will perform better in the next game. Happy to be involved in this tournament at the last moment. Nice to be playing in LPL," said a dejected Mohammad Nabi, who's side start the tournament on an adverse note.

"It was a good win for us. Credit to Dinesh Chandimal. Dasun is one of the best finishers in the country and it was good to see him bat like that. The wicket was good to bowl in the first 6 overs but then it was good to bat. Good to see the young players perform in this tournament," said Wanindu Hasaranga, Kandy Falcons captain, as their side celebrate the victory.

 

Dasun Shanaka's Heroics Guide Kandy Falcons To 6-Wicket Win

Dasun Shanaka was awarded the Man of the Match award for his antics during the tournament opener, as the former Sri Lanka captain scored a quickfire 46 off 15, and recorded the figures of 3/20 in his 4 overs.

"Really happy with my contribution with the ball. Coming into this game, the captain and coach had a chat with me and it was clear. I have made some changes in my batting and it was good to contribute. Mark Chapman and Wickramasinghe batted very well for them. It is pleasing to see a high scoring game and hope this continues for the upcoming games as well. But it is a sad day for me, my friend passed away," said Shanaka during post-match presentation ceremony.