The Jaffna Kings emerged victorious in the eighth game of the Lanka Premier League 2024 at Dambulla, beating the Dambulla Sixers by 30 runs. 

In batting-friendly conditions, Dambulla Sixers captain Mohammad Nabi chose to bowl first, considering that the dew would come into play later in the day under the Dambulla lights. Jaffna Kings put into bat first, Kings opener Pathum Nissanka got off to flyer alongside his opening partner Kusal Mendis. 

With two wickets down for 62 runs, opener Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando combined to put on a partnership of 100 runs together. Both the players went on to score half-centuries, putting the Kings in a commanding position.  

Avishka Fernando fell after making a 57 off 30 balls while Pathum Nissanka broke his streak of low scores with an impressive half-century off 37 deliveries. Following his half-century, Nissanka added 38 more runs in just 15 balls, showing a very positive intent. With the assistance of these two incredible knocks the Jaffna Kings were able to put on a very competitive score of 219 runs on the board.  

Dambulla Sixers bowlers did not have their best outing with the ball as all the bowlers went over nine runs per over. Overseas player Mustafizur Rahman grabbed two wickets for the Sixers and was the pick of the bowlers among the lot. 

In reply, the home side came all guns blazing with opener Reeza Hendriks leading the charge showing his class by bashing all the bowlers around the park marking his arrival in the Lanka Premier League. With wickets falling in regular intervals, the Sixers couldn’t find any momentum in their fading chase. Mark Chapman joined Hendriks and put on a 47-run partnership for the 4th wicket, giving some hope to the Sixers’ fading inning but the duo’s counter-attack was halted by some smart bowling by Fabian Allen. 

Reeza Hendricks’ dismissal for 80 in the 18th over put the Kings on the verge of victory. South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi was exceptional, taking two crucial wickets of Nuwanindu Fernando and skipper Mohammad Nabi while conceding only 26 runs in his four overs. Also, Sri Lanka ace pacer Asitha Fernando also finished his quota of four overs with the figures of 2 for 25. 

Pahum Nissanka was named as the player of the match for his brilliant batting display.