Match Center

Right then, that is all we have from this one-sided affair with Dambulla Aura staring down the abyss after their fifth consecutive loss. Colombo Stars have taken a huge step forward toward the playoffs with their second consecutive win. The action will shift to the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo and we shall return after a short break on Saturday, 17th of December for another doubleheader. In the first game of the day, Dambulla Aura will take on Galle Gladiators and that game will begin at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT). After that, Kandy Falcons will go up against Colombo Stars at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). You can join us early for the build-up of both those games. Till then, take care and goodbye!

Angelo Mathews the skipper of Colombo Stars says that they still need to improve in all aspects of the game and they are heading into the business end of the tournament. Adds that they will look at the wickets in Colombo and tinker with their team accordingly. He then goes on to applaud Kasun Rajitha for his bowling and mentions that Charith Asalanka was brilliant as well. Claims that they always had the personnel it was only a matter of getting that. Adds that they were able to get better with every game and that winning momentum is huge.

Dasun Shanaka the captain of Dambulla Aura says that it hurts but the brand of cricket they are playing is poor and they need to admit it and play better. Adds that the youngsters aren't able to grab the opportunities presented and the senior guys aren't able to lead from the front. Mentions that the combination they have isn't the best and that needs to be looked into before heading into the tournament.

Kasun Rajitha (4-0-22-5) is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant spell of bowling. He speaks in his local language and conveys that he is very happy with his performance. He claims that he is just looking to stick to the basics and he hopes that his team can continue their form going forward.

Time for the presentation...

Colombo Stars started the game in an outstanding manner and their bowling performance was so clinical that they had to use just four bowlers. It was Kasun Rajitha who was the destructor in chief as he took his maiden five-wicket haul in a four-over spell on the trot. Jeffrey Vandersay was really good too as he claimed 2 wickets for 10 runs in his full quota of four overs with Suranga Lakmal and Karim Janat chipping in with one each. Only three batters were able to reach double digits and if it was not for a late onslaught from Pramod Madushan they would have probably been dismissed for much less. It looked like an easy target to achieve and despite an early hiccup, Charith Asalanka and Dinesh Chandimal got their team over the line with 51 balls to spare.

Dambulla Aura started the defense of an under-par total in perfect fashion as Pramod Madushan dismissed Niroshan Dickwella with a peach of a yorker on the very first delivery of the inning and bowled a wicket maiden to start proceedings. Dinesh Chandimal and Charith Asalanka started their 90-run unbeaten partnership tentatively after the early wicket but once the ball stopped moving, they began their onslaught. Dinesh Chandimal played the role of an anchor perfectly as he score 31 runs in 32 balls with Charith Asalanka playing the role of an aggressor. He reached his maiden Lanka Premier League half-century and remained unbeaten on 58 in just 36 deliveries and his team will be delighted with his return to form. Pramod Madushan was the only bowler who looked dangerous as he bowled 2 overs while conceding 3 runs and claimed the solitary wicket.

This has been a comprehensive display from Colombo Stars and with two consecutive wins they are right in the mix for a playoff spot! Their bowlers had made this job relatively easy for them but the batters have come out to ascertain their dominance and seal a 9-wicket win. Dambulla Aura have suffered a drubbing once again and this tournament looks all but done for them. They are yet to get points on the board and what is even more disappointing is that they are unable to put up a fight for their supporters.

That's it, Colombo Stars have won the game with plenty of time to spare! This is shorter from Noor Ahmad and outside off. Dinesh Chandimal just taps it in front of the man at cover-point and scampers through for the single. Colombo Stars win by 9 wickets!

Around middle and sliding in, Charith Asalanka presses forward and works it away through mid-wicket for a single.

This is pushed through quicker and angled in from around off. Charith Asalanka blocks it out.

This is slid across the left-hander. Charith Asalanka waits for it and looks to just guide it fine but fails to beat the man at short third man. A single is taken.

SIX! All the way! Chathuranga de Silva drops it short and around middle. Charith Asalanka rocks back and pulls it well over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Colombo Stars are just one hit away now from the win.

This is around off, Charith Asalanka eases it toward the cover region.

Tossed up around off, this is driven through extra cover for a single.

A maiden Lanka Premier League FIFTY for Charith Asalanka and he has been fluent on his way to get there. On a length and at the stumps, Asalanka just eases it down to long on for a single and takes in the applause from the crowd and his teammates.

Starts off with a shorter ball around off, Charith Asalanka waits for it and works it in front of mid-wicket. The call is for two and they get it with ease. Just one away now from a half-century.