Twitter Reactions: Asela Gunaratne, Irfan Pathan and Kusal Perera script victory for Kandy Tuskers

Gunaratne scored 52* runs off 37 balls to take his team to a win with five balls to spare.

By Tanvir Sahni

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Asela Gunaratne
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Asela Gunaratne. (Photo by STR / AFP) (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images)

With 75% of the league stage over, there was still no clarity on which four teams would make it to the semifinals. Amidst all this, it was time for a match between two sides with contrasting fortunes. While one was at the top of the table, the other was looming at the bottom. It was a match between the Jaffna Stallions and the Kandy Tuskers.

The former won the toss and opted to bat first. They got off to a terrible start as their scoreboard read 50/3 at the end of the powerplay. Dale Steyn showed his class by dismissing the in-form Avishka Fernando in the very first over. It was followed by a couple of more wickets to add to their worries.

It was now up to the experienced Shoaib Malik and Minod Bhanuka to steady the ship for their side. Well, they did not disappoint as they ended up making a 59 run partnership for the fourth wicket. A concern however was the slow pace at which this partnership came. Though Malik ended with a score of 59 no other batsman was able to make a significant contribution.

Asela Gunaratne guides Tuskers to their second victory of the season

The Stallions were bowled out for a score of 150 at the end of their 20 overs. The bowlers had a good outing as they managed to pick up a couple of wickets each. Nuwan Pradeep was the pick of the bowlers as he secured three wickets to put the opponent on the backfoot.

A chase of 151 just required some sensible batting and one good partnership. However, the Tuskers had an even worse start compared to the Stallions. They were at a score of 44/3 at the end of the powerplay. However, they did not lose the plot and continued to play in a smart manner

Captain Kusal Perera scored 42 runs to take his team towards the target. His wicket did create some panic however Asela Gunaratne and Irfan Pathan made sure that no more obstacles had to be faced. The former scored 52* runs off 37 balls to take his team to a win with five balls to spare.

This victory took his side to the number four spot in the points table. Wanindu Hasaranga had another good day with the ball. He ended the match with two wickets conceding only 23 runs in his four overs.

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