‌LPL 2024 | Twitter reacts to Kusal and Allen's heroic eliminate Kandy as Jaffna secures Final’s spot

07/20/2024

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Jaffna Kings edge past the Kandy Falcons by a run in a nail-biting encounter to seal a spot against Galle Marvels in the LPL 2024 grand finale. Kusal Mendis’ ton and Fabien Allen’s four-for stole the spotlight in Jaffna’s triumph as Kandy exited from the tournament in Qualifier 2.

The decision to field first seemed fruitful for the Kandy Falcons after the introduction of spin yielded dividends amidst Jaffna’s 52-run powerplay. Despite losing a solitary wicket inside the field restrictions, the middle order failed to capitalise on the brisk start. Kusal Mendis looked like a lone warrior as he stitched a 23-ball fifty in the ninth over to set up a 96/2 score in eleven overs. Right after, the bowling unit pegged back at Jaffna with Chaturanga de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Ramesh Mendis making inroads. They could add 41 runs in the next five overs for three wickets before Azmatullah Omarzai accelerated in the 18th over. Kusal switched gears in the next over and notched up a 53-ball ton before Mohammad Hasnain struck with a couple of wickets in the last over to end Jaffna’s tally at 187/7 in 20 overs.

Unlike their counterparts, Kandy got off to a fiery start with 48 runs coming in the first four overs. Fabien Allen drew the first blood by cleaning up Dinesh Chandimal in the fifth over before removing Andre Fletcher following a 62-run powerplay. A brisk 31-run stand followed before Mohammad Haris’ struggle came to an end and all of a sudden Jaffna seemed to be turning the tide in their favour. With the score reading 101/3 in 12 overs, skipper Wanindu Hasaranga’s charge was shortlived against Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, and Chaturanga followed in consecutive overs with Kandy’s score reading 142/7 in 17 overs. Subsequently, Angelo Mathews succumbed to the building pressure paving the way for a 21-run 19th over from Jason Behrendorff including a costly no-ball. With a single off the first two balls in the last over, a four from Ramesh curtailed the equation to 12 needed off three.

What a knock

Kusal Mendis in the second Eliminator against Kandy tonight:

Runs 105*

Balls 54

Fours 12

Sixes 5

SR 194.44

What a knock in such a big match 🔥🔥🔥#LPL2024 pic.twitter.com/PVb2XH2DId
— Apex Sports (#BA56) (@NewsSports_35) July 20, 2024

Well played

Mohammad Hasnain goes for 48 runs in his 4 overs and takes 2 wickets in his last over before conceding 40 in his first 3 overs in Qualifier 2 against Jaffna Kings!#PakPassion #LPL2024 pic.twitter.com/jFUqmPT5Nw
— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) July 20, 2024

Crafty bowling

Wow what crafty bowling from Fabian Allen! Spinner, and then the slider at the same length and line! @LPLT20 #jaffnakings #LPL2024
— Dhanushka Kularatne (@DhanushkaK) July 20, 2024

Blazing century

Kusal Mendis stakes claim for Lanka captaincy in white ball series against India with a blazing century for Jaffna Kings vs Kandy Falcons in Lanka Premier League in Colombo #cricket
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) July 20, 2024

Knocked out

M Hasnain and M Haris performance in LPL today.

Hasnain - 2/48

Haris - 26 in 20 balls

- Kandy Falcons knocked out from the tournament. pic.twitter.com/xwn3yRSeej
— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) July 20, 2024

Ahead

Jaffna kings finished at 187/7..Kandy falcons need to be 50/1 at end of 6 overs to stay ahead of this chase

#Lankapremierleague
— steve rogers (@steve_rogers_1) July 20, 2024

Eliminated

Team of Mohammad Haris, Kandy Falcons got eliminated from the LPL. He scored 26 in 20 balls while chasing 189 in the eliminator 2#LPL20224 pic.twitter.com/0Mm451q7YX
— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) July 20, 2024

Good partnership

What a Partnership for 9th Wicket ➡️ Ramesh Mendis 🤝 P Rathnayake 42*(16). What a Performance Ramesh Mendis 2/10 & 30*(11).@KandyFalcons #LPL2024 #JKvKAF
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) July 20, 2024

Toy