Shinwari helps Viiking beat Gladiators by four wickets

All-rounder, Samiullah Shinwari hit a cameo unbeaten 46 to help Dambulla Viiking pull off an exciting four-wicket win over Galle Gladiators in their Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 Cricket Tournament second-round match played under lights at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota, yesterday.

The 33-year-old right-hander from Afghanistan smashed six boundaries and hoisted two sixes from 20 deliveries as Viiking reached their target in the last ball of the innings.

Shinwari also put on an unfinished seventh-wicket match-winning partnership of 46 runs together with Ramesh Mendis, who provided excellent support while batting under tremendous pressure.

Earlier, the Gladiators recovered from a middle-order collapse to reach a competitive 168 for seven, after they were invited to bat first.

The Gladiators were well-placed at 83 for two in the eighth over after opener Danushka Gunathilaka and Skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa had added 50 runs for the second wicket.

Gunathilaka continued his excellent form with another superb 46 with eight boundaries, while Rajapaksa hoisted three sixes and struck a couple of boundaries during his 18-ball 31.

But after their dismissals, the Gladiators lost their way as they soon slumped to 104 for four with Chadwick Walton also retiring hurt with an injury.

Right-arm off-spinner, Ramesh Mendis triggered the collapse by removing Rajapaksa and wicket-keeper batsman Azam Khan after T20 debutant Dilshan Madushanka had provided the early breakthrough.

However, Shehan Jayasuriya played a nice cameo of 39 inclusive of one six and four boundaries, while Dananjaya Lakshan hit an unbeaten 23 with one six and one boundary to swell the Gladiators’ total.

Chief scores

Galle Gladiators: 168/7 in 20 overs (Danushka Gunathilaka 46, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 31, Shehan Jayasuriya 39, Dananjaya Lakshan 23 n.o, Dasun Shanaka 2/38, Kasun Rajitha 2/31, Ramesh Mendis 2/28)

Dambulla Viiking: 174/6 in 20 overs (Niroshan Dickwella 38, Angelo Perera 45, Samiullah Shinwari 46 n.o, Dananjaya Lakshan 2/33).

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