Kasun Rajitha, the right-arm medium paceman led the way with excellent figures of 5 for 22 with Charith Asalanka (58) and Dinesh Chandimal (31) adding a remarkable 90-run second wicket stand which guided Colombo Stars to record an easy 9-wicket win over Dambulla Aura in their LPL cricket fixture played at the Pallekele Stadium yesterday.
Dambulla Aura led by Dasun Shanaka struggled to find their rhythm on 57 for 7 wickets after the Power Play (first six overs) as they were bundled out for just 89 runs in 13.5 overs which was the lowest team total so far this third LPL.
Kasun Rajitha captured five wickets which was his best bowling figures so far in this tournament as he is the third bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul in LPL history.
Colombo Stars, chasing their 90-run target, opener Niroshan Dickwella was dismissed for a Royal Duck off the first delivery of the over which was bowled by Promod Madushan. However, Dinesh Chandimal hit 31 in 32 balls with 3 fours, and Charith Asalanka who played more aggressively scored a fine knock of 58 in 36 balls with 5 fours and 4 sixes to seal their victory in 12th over.
Kasun Rajitha was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Chief scores:
Dambulla Aura: 89 in 13.5 overs (Jordan Cox 16, Dasun Shanaka 20, Chaturanga de Silva 11, Promod Madushan 23*, Kasun Rajitha 5/22, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/10, Suranga Lakmal 1/33, Karim Janat 1/20).
Colombo Stars: 90/1 in 11.3 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 31*, Charith Asalanka 58*, Promod Madushan 1/3).