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Right then, that is it from this opening game where Kandy Falcons opens their account while Dambulla Sixers will still have to wait for their first points. Next up in the LPL 2024 is a double-header. Jaffna Kings will take on Galle Titans in the first game which will start at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT). The second match will see Kandy Falcons in action again against Colombo Strikers. That will begin on 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up for both games. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Wanindu Hasaranga, the victorious skipper of Kandy Falcons, says that everyone played well and he is happy with the win. He adds that they were getting good swing at the start. Adds that this is a good opportunity for the young players and ends by saying they they will look to carry on with the same momentum.

Mohammad Nabi, the captain of Dambulla Sixers says that Chapman's contribution was crucial. Adds that it was a batting track and they fell short of some runs. Ends by saying that he is happy to be a part of LPL and they will give their best in the next game.

Dasun Shanaka is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant all-round performance. He says that he is happy to contribute with his bowling. He adds that he is happy with his batting as well and mentions that his coaches helped him a lot. Says that it is pleasing to see high scores at the start and ends by saying that it continues in the same way.

Presentation Time...

Earlier in the game, Dambulla Sixers posted a fighting total courtesy of a scintillating 154-run partnership between Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Mark Chapman where both remained unbeaten on 62 and 91 respectively. Kandy Falcons were excellent with the ball in the Powerplay where Dasun Shanaka picked up three wickets while Mohammad Hasnain chipped in with one, but after that, they lost their rhythm completely and failed to pick up any more wickets. While chasing, the Falcons did suffer early blows, but contributions form the three most experiencedd players in the squad meant that they grab the two points with ease.

Dambulla Sixers, on the other hand, started well with Nuwan Thushara getting rid of Spiceman in the very first over. Fizz also struck with his very first delivery but after that, it was a one-sided affair that it was all about the Falcons. They just could not handle the onslaught of Dinesh Chandimal. Chamindu Wickramasinghe did manage to get one wicket. At the same time, Akila Dananjaya finally got rid of Chandimal. Still, then Matthews and Shanaka stood strong and just dismantled their bowling attack to pieces finishing the game with almost three overs to spare.

Despite losing Andre Fletcher in the very first over and Haris soon after, Kandy Falcons got to a fine start with Dinesh Chandimal leading the charge in the Powerplay and Kamindu Mendis playing second fiddle. They built up a strong partnership and kept the scoreboard ticking while also finding the odd boundaries. However, just after the first Strategic Break, Mendis lost his wicket trying to up the ante but that didn't stop Chandimal who kept going hard at the bowlers and notched up his fifty as well, but he too was dismissed rather in an unlucky fashion. That did not prove to be much of a problem as the two experienced players and former Sri Lankan captains, Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka got together and put in a fantastic show of power-hitting for the spectators. They used the Power Blast to perfection and in fact killed the game off then and there only with another outstanding partnership and remaining unbeaten till the end.

KANDY FALCONS START THEIR TITLE DEFENSE WITH A CRUSHING WIN! It was a repeat of last season's final and the Falcons got the better of the Dambulla Sixers once again. However, the Sixers can still take a few positives from this game and fine-tune a few things to come back harder in the upcoming matches.

SIX! WINNING RUNS! Dasun Shanaka finished things in style. Dilshan Madushanka drops it short and over off. Dasun Shanaka swivels and pulls it to find a great connection. The ball sails over the fine leg fence for half a dozen runs to get those two points at the very start of the tournament. Dasun Shanaka was brilliant with the ball earlier and with the bat in this innings.

Beaten! Dilshan Madushanka bowls it on a length and outside off. Dasun Shanaka swings wildly but gets beaten by the lack of pace.

FOUR! THOUGHTFUL! Nuwan Thushara sticks to the short ball and bowls it on middle. Angelo Mathews helps it on the way to clear short fine leg. The ball bounces away to the fence for another boundary. Almost over the line now.

A short ball and over off. Dasun Shanaka tries to pull it but he gets it off the top edge. The ball flies to square leg and Mustafizur Rahman fails to reach it in time. The batters run a single.

FOUR! The runs won't stop! Nuwan Thushara goes full and on leg. Dasun Shanaka lofts it elegantly over covers just enough to clear the infield. The ball bounces away to the ropes for four more runs. Kandy Falcons can smell victory here.

Uh oh! A full toss down the leg side. Dasun Shanaka tries to take advantage of it but misses it. The keeper makes a good stop but it is a wide ball.

SIX! STUNNING! Nuwan Thushara serves it on a hard length and close to the body. Dasun Shanaka lifts it off his back foot and sends it over deep mid-wicket. The ball sails over the fence and Shanaka gets himself another biggie.

A yorker on the toes. Angelo Mathews clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Their partnership reaches 50 runs.