Carlos Brathwaite keep Falcons on top

Carlos Brathwaite

Kandy Falcons overcame Dambulla Aura with a commanding 77-run victory thanks to Andre Fletcher’s aggressive batting and Carlos Brathwaite’s three-wicket haul.

Following a shock defeat to Galle Gladiator on Monday, their first of the season, Falcons returned to winning ways the following day, cruising to an impressive 193 for three from their 20 overs at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Fletcher, who scored 44 from 31 deliveries with four fours and three sixes, was instrumental in the Falcons’ early success. With Pathum Nissanka (20), he added 48 for the first wicket, then with Kamindu Mendis (58 off 40 deliveries, nine fours), he added 45 for the second wicket. Fletcher, who had a hundred to start the competition, was run out in the 12th over, but Mendis and Ashen Bandara added another 68 runs for the third wicket.

Bandara hit 42 not out off 22 balls, and he later added 32 runs to an unbroken fourth-wicket stand with Najibullah Zadran (16 not out). Only Chaturanga de Silva (25) and Noor Ahmad (20) provided any resistance as Aura collapsed for 116 in response. After being given the new ball, Brathwaite turned out to be Aura’s worst enemy, taking three for 25 from three overs.

Fabian Allen, a fellow citizen of the West Indies, offered assistance, scoring two for five from just eight balls thrown down. One of the wicket-takers was the 22-year-old bowler Chamindu Wijesinghe, who finished with three for 25.

On eight points, the Falcons are tied with the Jaffna Kings, although they are in first place due to a higher net run rate. 

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