Mathews stars as B-Love Kandy emerge LPL Champions

After a disappointing and unconvincing start, B-Love Kandy got their act together as they went on to win the fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League beating Dambulla Aura in the finals at RPS on Sunday.

A newly formed franchise that had the backing of former international stars like Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Mohammad Azharuddin, B-Love Kandy had little momentum at the start of the competition. However, they were back on track and despite a tough road to the final managed to beat the inform Dambulla Aura in a last-over thriller.

B-Love Kandy were handicapped as they were without the services of their superstar all-rounder and captain Wanindu Hasaranga due to injury while Dushmantha Chameera and Isuru Udana too were ruled out.

Angelo Mathews standing in for Hasaranga led the side well to give his team a memorable win in front of a packed house.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe was present to witness the final. He’s seen here in conversation with SLC President Shammi Silva. Presidential advisor Sagala Ratnayake also was present.

It was a fabulous show by Sri Lanka Cricket over the last three weeks as there were several close contests and interest levels soared among fans. Unlike the first three editions record crowds turned up at venues and the gate collection was impressive and the board generously donated towards the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital.

Mathews was named Man of the Match as he gave the national selectors another reminder that the Sri Lankan team will be better off with him in the white ball side.

Not only did he score an unbeaten 25 during a nervy run chase but bowled well with the new ball and came back to send down the death overs apart from being agile on the field.

Dambulla Aura probably had the best batting unit in the competition and the batters fired posting 147 for four. Dhananjaya de Silva top scored with 40 off 29 balls with three sixes while Kusal Perera hit 31 off 25 balls with three fours and one six.

Angelo Mathews was named Man of the Match in the final as B-Love Kandy beat Dambulla Aura. Mathews skippered the side in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga.

Sadeera Samarawickrama too made 36 off 30 balls with five fours while captain Kusal Mendis chipped in with 22.

Chaturanga de Silva was the pick of the bowlers with his left-arm spin fetching two wickets in the absence of his younger brother Hasaranga.

Mohammad Harris and Kamindu Mendis gave a good start for B-Love Kandy adding 49 runs for the first wicket while Dinesh Chandimal with less than run a ball 24 kept the scoreboard ticking before Mathews provided the finishing touches.

Noor Ahmed picked up three wickets while Binura Fernando picked up two wickets.

Interestingly, none of the players who featured in the final representing the champion B-Love Kandy team will be part of Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign.