WATCH: Chamika Karunaratne takes one-handed screamer, umpire calls it not out

Colombo Strikers triumphed over the Kandy Falcons by a mere 2 runs in the 7th match of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, held on July 6 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The Strikers showcased remarkable resilience, securing their second victory over the Falcons in this tournament.

Meanwhile, a controversial moment added to the drama when Chamika Karunaratne's stunning one-handed catch of Mohammad Haris was overturned, with the umpire ruling the ball had touched the ground. Despite this setback, the Strikers held their nerve, leaving the Falcons to rue their missed opportunities.

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Brilliant comeback by Colombo Strikers' bowlers

Talking about the match, winning the toss, the Falcons opted to field first, a decision that soon appeared questionable as the Strikers amassed an imposing total of 199 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Glenn Phillips starred for the Strikers with a scintillating knock of 70 runs, ably supported by valuable contributions from Shadab Khan and Chamika Karunaratne in the final overs.

The chase for the Falcons began on a promising note with their top-order batsmen laying a solid foundation. Despite a strong start, the match took a dramatic turn in the latter half. After a 22-run 15th over, the Falcons required 47 runs off the last 5 overs with 7 wickets in hand, seemingly within reach. However, the Strikers' bowlers mounted a spirited comeback, with Matheesha Pathirana's spell being particularly devastating. Pathirana claimed 3 crucial wickets in the span of 5 balls and delivered three vital dot balls in the penultimate over, putting immense pressure on the Falcons.

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The final over was a thrilling spectacle. Thisara Perera, entrusted with the task of defending a slender margin, faced immense pressure as Angelo Mathews launched a counter-attack with a hat-trick of boundary hits. Yet, Perera's composure prevailed as he delivered a perfect yorker-length ball on the final delivery, clinching victory for the Strikers by the narrowest of margins. This defeat marked the Falcons' second consecutive loss to the Strikers, both times while chasing.