On 19 August 2023, B-Love Kandy (BLK) took on Galle Titans (GT) in Qualifier 2 of the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) in Colombo. GT came to this clash after losing Qualifier 1 against Dambulla Aura (DA) while BLK came to this clash after defeating Jaffna Kings (JK) in the eliminator.
Therefore, fans were expecting an enthralling battle between these sides. Speaking of the match, BLK skipper, Wanindu Hasaranga won the toss and opted to bat first. While batting first, they scored 157 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs. Dinesh Chandimal scored 38 runs while skipper, Hasaranga continued his form as he smashed 48 runs off 30 balls, including three fours and four sixes.
“I know what I can do with the bat, I always try to do my best.” - Wanindu Hasaranga
For GT, both Sonal Dinusha and Lahiru Kumara took two wickets each. While both Kasun Rajitha and Shakib Al Hasan took one wicket each. In reply, GT batters looked absolutely clueless as they scored only 123 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs and thus, BLK won the game by 34 runs. With this win, they also qualified for the final and now, on 20 August, they will face DA in Colombo. Hasaranga shone with the ball also as he picked up two wickets for 21 runs in four overs. Due to his all-round performance, he won the Player of the Match award.
During the post-match presentation, he said: "Maybe Nuwan Pradeep will be fit, but we already miss Isuru Udana and Dushmantha Chameera.
Here is how fans have reacted:
H is something
— yadavashish // CSK💛 (@InUrDreaMsdian) August 19, 2023
Mujse jyada run kardiye😫
— Babar Azam (@BabarAzamAOC) August 19, 2023
Tells the level of tournament
— Cricket_Tweets (@NiharRa30315128) August 19, 2023
MVP wanindu 🔥
— yadavashish // CSK💛 (@InUrDreaMsdian) August 19, 2023
Hasaranga owns LPL!
— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) August 19, 2023
Already better than chokli
— Abdullah Orakzaiii (@AbdullahOrkzy23) August 19, 2023
Hasaranga outscored Babar unreal 😭😭😭
— User45 (@140off113) August 19, 2023
He is currently one of the best T20 Allrounder the world! pic.twitter.com/3oSA0wi8PI
— Sammy Alex M. (@alexcrypto22) August 19, 2023
Jab hasaranga top scorer hai to samjh gaya kitna mid hai LPL
— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) August 19, 2023