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Perera and Hendricks Propel Dambulla Sixers to Dominant 8-Wicket Victory

On a day when all the decisions favored them, Dambulla Sixers skipper Mohammad Nabi opted to field first, despite their previous loss to Jaffna Kings after bowling first. Colombo Strikers, coming off a thrilling win against the experienced Kandy Falcons, were the favorites going into this game, especially with the Sixers yet to secure a win in this edition of the Lanka Premier League.

The Strikers’ openers started strong, replicating their performance against the Falcons with a 73-run partnership in 8.3 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Angelo Perera scored 36 and 41 runs respectively before losing their wickets. Glenn Phillips, continuing his form from the previous game, added a valuable 51 off 36 balls, including three sixes and a boundary. Chamika Karunaratne provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 27 off twelve balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, pushing the Strikers' total past 180.

Mohammad Nabi led by example, picking up two wickets for just 20 runs. Nuwan Pradeep also contributed significantly, claiming two wickets in his spell.

Stars of the day, Kusal Perera and Reeza Hendricks, were in top gear from the start, amassing a 154-run partnership for the first wicket. Both aggressive batters, Perera and Hendricks, displayed remarkable synergy, hitting a combined twelve fours and nine sixes. Perera scored a superb 80, while Hendricks' composed yet powerful innings contributed 54 runs.

Following the dismissals of both openers, Kiwi Mark Chapman added the finishing touches with a quickfire 23 off 10 balls, including three sixes, securing the Sixers' first victory of the season.

Pace bowler Gus Atkinson will make his Test debut in England's series opener against West Indies at Lord's on Wednesday.