In a thrilling climax to the fourth edition of the Skyfair.News Lanka Premier League 2023, Angelo Mathews, standing in as captain for B-Love Kandy, showcased his experience and leadership skills to guide his team to a historic maiden title. B-Love Kandy secured a nail-biting five-wicket victory over Dambulla Aura in a pulsating final-over showdown, capturing the championship in front of an electrified crowd at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 148, B-Love Kandy managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with just one ball to spare. Despite missing the services of Wanindu Hasaranga, the tournament's leading wicket-taker, run-getter, and captain, due to a hamstring injury, Mathews played a captain's knock, crafting an unbeaten 25 off 21 balls to seal the title. The match was graced by the presence of His Excellency, President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka.
Opting to bat first, Dambulla Aura built two crucial 50-run partnerships. However, the Kandy bowlers exhibited tight control, limiting Dambulla to a total of 147 runs for four wickets within the allotted 20 overs.
Kandy's opening pair, comprising Kamindu Mendis (44) and Mohammad Haris (26), set a strong foundation, notching 47 runs during the powerplay without losing a wicket. Wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal added a quick-fire 24 from 22 balls before being dismissed by Binura Fernando.
As Angelo Mathews strode to the crease in the 13th over, Kandy found themselves at 95-2. Amidst mounting pressure and a raucous crowd, Mathews anchored the innings brilliantly. With the score slipping to 107-4 within 21 deliveries, Mathews remained resolute, showcasing his vast experience. His match-winning 25 runs, adorned with three boundaries, were executed with a calm head, propelling Kandy to victory with just one ball remaining. Despite a valiant effort by Dambulla Aura's Noor Ahmed, who claimed three wickets for 27 runs, it wasn't enough to stop Kandy's triumphant charge.
Reflecting on the remarkable triumph, Mathews remarked, "I had to use all my experience from the past 15 years. I had to keep calm. We knew the wicket was good and the total was chaseable. Asif Ali and Lahiru Madushanka were brilliant towards the end. God has been kind to us, we did it even with so many injuries. Last three games were back-to-back for us and physically draining."
Adding to the jubilation, Wanindu Hasaranga was bestowed with the Player of the Series award, a title he richly deserved for his outstanding all-round performances throughout the tournament. Expressing his elation, Hasaranga commented, "I am very happy because I contributed with bat. I tried to do my best be it with the bat or with the ball. Whenever I play, I try to do my best whether I am captaining or not. I was the Player of the Tournament in the first edition as well. This is more pleasing as I contributed with the bat."