Janith Liyanage special eliminates Colombo Stars 

By Roscoe Thattil from Suriyawewa

Dambulla Giants beat the Colombo Stars by six wickets in the Eliminator of the Lanka Premier League(LPL) 2021 to book their place in the 2nd Qualifier at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Sooriyawewa yesterday(19).

The Stars opted to bat first after winning the toss as the tournament shifted to Hambantota for the first time after the league phase in Colombo. Pathum Nissanka controlled the innings at the top of the order but failed to kick-on as he was dismissed for 42 by Imran Tahir who bowled an economical spell while also picking up two key scalps.

The stars were losing momentum in the middle of their innings before skipper Angelo Mathews led from the front with a fighting unbeaten half century which included 4 fours and 2 sixes. He ended exactly on 50* as the Stars posted a competitive 145/6. Nuwan Pradeep also bowled impressively to capture 2/23 in his four overs.

The Giants lost a couple of early wickets before the explosive Englishman Phil Salt got going in an entertaining knock of 32 off just 21 balls. He fell at a key juncture but Janith Liyanage who has been a find of the tournament went on to record his second half century in just his third innings. Liyanage also received good support from overseas player Najibullah Zadran(34) as the duo added 61 for the fourth wicket.

Liyanage guided his team towards victory as he remained unbeaten on 56 as the Giants got home with seven balls to spare. He also made a half century on his LPL debut against the Galle Gladiators a few days back.