Colombo Strikers overcame B-Love Kandy by 27 runs on Monday to earn their first victory in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023. Babar Azam and Naseem Shah shined for Colombo Strikers as they were vital to their side’s win. Niroshan Dickwella, the captain of Colombo Strikers, was dismissed for just 4 runs in the first over after the team elected to bat first.
Nevertheless, Babar Azam, who batted with Dickwella to open the innings, showed perseverance and resolve as he progressively found his groove despite losing another wicket shortly thereafter when Pathum Nissanka was run out for 15. later on, Babar found a dependable ally in Nuwanidu Fernando, as the two of them combined to score a significant 60 runs, giving the Strikers’ innings the much-needed solidity.Babar was left to lead the batting after the lethal Mohammad Hasnain ultimately removed Fernando for 28.
Despite the wickets falling at the opposite end, Babar showed incredible tenacity and reached his half-century in just 48 deliveries. Babar made an effort to increase the scoring as the innings’ finish drew near, managing a few boundaries against Wanindu Hasaranga as well as Isuru Udana.
Babar attempted another massive shot as the game entered its closing moments, but he mistimed it, allowing Kamindu Mendis at long-on to grab it. Babar’s valiant innings of 59 runs off 52 balls helped Colombo Strikers reach a decent total of 157/6 during their allotted 20 overs, nevertheless.
B-Love Kandy falter in the run-chase
The Strikers’ bowlers seized centre stage as they had to defend a difficult target of 158 runs. Thanuka Dabare was dismissed by Naseem Shah for just 4 runs in the first over of his devastating opening spell. The threatening Kamindu Mendis was clean bowled by Naseem in the first delivery in the third over, putting the opposition in disbelief.
B-Love Kandy could only manage 130/8 over the course of 20 overs, finishing 27 runs short of the mark despite a brief fight from Sarfaraz Ahmed, who got 16* runs from 21 balls. Colombo Strikers’ first victory in LPL 2023 was made possible by Naseem Shah’s outstanding bowling performance along with the elegant fifty by Babar Azam.
Fans react to Babar Azam’s maiden fifty in LPL during his side’s win over B-Love Kandy:
Just another day at the office for the King ?#TheBasnahiraBoys#HouseOfTigers #ColomboStrikers #LPL2023 #StrikeToConquer #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/O826cHNHfK
— Colombo Strikers (@ColomboStrikers) July 31, 2023
The Greatest Showman ?
— Shazmeen Kara (@shazmeenkara) July 31, 2023
Fantastic ? win, congratulations ? Colombo and Babar BADSHAH
— Amal Shiz (@AmalShiz) July 31, 2023
— sheikh mani (@sheikhm71456522) August 1, 2023
King??? brilliant inning ??accurately read the pitch and saved his team’s ass.. Worldclass player for a reason
— KiKi (@Kiki_56_) July 31, 2023
Extra ordinary inning by iur skipper… Brilliant field placements and bowling changes as well ??
— Hania Naz (@IHani56S) July 31, 2023
Loved watching u play @babarazam258 a batting genius ??
— 56 (@edits_matpp) July 31, 2023
King for a reason babar azam
— kaptaan (@FahadAz77748770) July 31, 2023
If the king goes to any corner of the world, he tells by his style and conduct that I am the king #myking
— ????? (@MujiburRahmanO) August 1, 2023
With 100 strike rates in T20 ???????
— VBoss (@VBoss1537451) August 1, 2023
World Best T20 Specialist Master The King of World Make 50 From 48. World Fastest Fifty Congratulations Zimbu?
— ShAiKi (@Shaikikhan7x11) July 31, 2023
