Cricket Highlights, December 14: Lanka T10 Super League, 2024 (12th Match) – Nuwara Eliya Kings vs Hambantota Bangla Tigers

NEK vs HBT (12th Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the exciting match between Nuwara Eliya Kings vs Hambantota Bangla Tigers. The game began with NEK posting a modest total of 82/6 in 10 overs, struggling to build partnerships. Hambantota Bangla Tigers chased down the target confidently, reaching 86/3 in just 7.1 overs, securing a comfortable 7-wicket victory. The Tigers’ solid batting performance ensured they cruised to victory in this high-paced encounter.

Nuwara Eliya Kings (NEK) set a total of 82/6 in 10 overs. Despite a commendable bowling performance, they couldn’t accumulate enough runs. Hambantota Bangla Tigers (HBT) chased down the target with ease, reaching 86/3 in just 7.1 overs to win by 7 wickets. The Bangla Tigers’ aggressive approach with the bat and effective partnerships led them to a comfortable victory.

The innings started poorly for NEK, with Avishka Fernando dismissed for a duck in the first over, falling to Richard Gleeson. Umar Akmal followed soon after, dismissed for zero, also by Gleeson. The early wickets left NEK reeling at 4/2.

K Mayers looked to steady the ship but was also sent back to the pavilion for a modest score of 17. By the fifth wicket, NEK were in deep trouble at 6/4, with both Gunathilaka and Saurabh Tiwary being dismissed cheaply. Tiwary’s dismissal came at the hands of Ratnayake, leaving NEK in a precarious situation.

Despite the collapse, Benny Howell played a gritty knock, scoring 29. He shared a brief but crucial partnership with Karunaratne, who managed to score 11 not out. However, the innings was hampered by consistent fall of wickets, and NEK ended their innings at a paltry 82/6.

Richard Gleeson was the pick of the bowlers for HBT, taking 3 wickets for just 23 runs in his 2 overs. Dhananjaya Lakshan and Ratnayake also made significant contributions with the ball, keeping the pressure on NEK throughout their innings.

In reply, Hambantota Bangla Tigers started their chase with confidence. The early breakthrough for NEK came when Mohammad Shahzad was dismissed without scoring, caught behind by Dushan Hemantha off Chamika Karunaratne. Perera played an aggressive knock, scoring 33 runs, before being dismissed by Rajitha at 60/3.

Dasun Shanaka was dismissed shortly thereafter for 20, leaving HBT needing just 2 runs to win. Shevon Daniel and Sabbir Rahman, both of whom were not out, finished the chase with calmness, with Daniel playing a composed knock of 17 not out, and Rahman contributing with a steady 11 not out.

The Bangla Tigers reached the target with ease in 7.1 overs, winning by 7 wickets. The victory was built on the solid partnerships, particularly between Daniel and Rahman, and the early contributions from Perera and Shanaka. The NEK bowlers tried their best, but the low total was always going to be difficult to defend, and HBT cruised to a comfortable win in the end.

Overall, it was a dominant performance from Hambantota Bangla Tigers, as they capitalized on NEK’s inability to build partnerships and put up a competitive total. Their bowlers had set the tone early, and the chase was well within their reach from the start.

Nuwara Eliya Kings vs Hambantota Bangla Tigers Scoreboard

Nuwara Eliya Kings – 82/6

Hambantota Bangla Tigers – 86/3(7.1/10)

Result – Hambantota Bangla Tigers won by 7 wkts

Player of the Match – Richard Gleeson

Nuwara Eliya Kings vs Hambantota Bangla Tigers Playing XI

Nuwara Eliya Kings

Avishka Fernando, Richard Gleeson, K Mayers, Sahan Arachchige, Umar Akmal(WK), Eshan Malinga, Saurabh Tiwary(C), Dhananjaya Lakshan, Gunathilaka, Howell, Shanaka, C Karunaratne, Lahiru Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha, Rajitha, Vishen Halambage, Nimsara Atharagalla.

Hambantota Bangla Tigers

Mohammad Shahzad(WK), Dushan Hemantha, Kusal Perera, Nimsara Atharagalla, Rajitha, Dasun Shanaka(C), Umar Akmal, Shevon Daniel, Sabbir Rahman, Tharindu Ratnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Eshan Malinga, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Richard Gleeson, Isuru Udana.

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.