GAM vs HBT (21st Match) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling encounter between GAM and HBT. The match saw Galle Marvels set a modest target of 83 runs, posting a total of 82/6 in their 10 overs. Despite a challenging start, Hambantota Bangla Tigers chased down the target in 9.2 overs, winning by 5 wickets. The match was full of suspense and close moments, with key performances from both teams.
In this exciting encounter between Galle Marvels and Hambantota Bangla Tigers, Galle Marvels were restricted to a modest total of 82/6 in their 10 overs. The innings got off to a rocky start as they lost key wickets early. Dickwella fell to Ratnayake, and Hales followed shortly after, also dismissed by Ratnayake. Lahiru Udara, attempting to stabilize the innings, was dismissed by Udana, leaving the Marvels at 23/3.
Shakib Al Hasan remained a beacon of hope for the team with a steady 43 not out, but the loss of wickets at regular intervals meant that Galle Marvels could only manage 82 runs by the end of their allotted overs. Sahan Arachchige and Eshan Malinga were the standout bowlers for Hambantota, picking up crucial wickets.
HBT began their chase confidently, but they too faced early setbacks. Kennar Lewis fell to a stumping by Lahiru Udara off Vandersay, and Kusal Perera was dismissed cheaply by B Fernando. Despite these early blows, Mohammad Shahzad and Sahan Arachchige kept the chase alive.
However, GAM bowlers, especially M Theekshana, continued to chip away at the Bangla Tigers’ lineup, dismissing Dasun Shanaka for just 19 runs. At 57/5, the Tigers were in a tight spot, but Shevon Daniel and Mosaddek Hossain held their nerve. Daniel’s calm 11 not out and Hossain’s 20 not out guided Hambantota to victory in 9.2 overs, securing a 5-wicket win.
The real turning point came when Dasun Shanaka, the Tigers’ captain, was dismissed for a low score, leaving them at 57/5. But Shevon Daniel and Mosaddek Hossain kept calm under pressure, rotating strike and finding boundaries when needed. Their composed partnership guided the Tigers to victory in 9.2 overs, with Daniel finishing on 11* and Hossain on 20*.
The match highlighted some strong individual performances with the ball, especially from the likes of Ratnayake, Udana, and Malinga for the Marvels. However, the experience and calmness of the Hambantota middle-order, led by Daniel and Hossain, proved to be the deciding factor.
Despite their early collapse, the Tigers’ lower order held their nerve and completed the chase, finishing at 84/5 with 4 balls to spare. This win reinforced Hambantota Bangla Tigers’ ability to recover from tough situations and proved their depth in both batting and bowling.
Galle Marvels vs Hambantota Bangla Tigers Scoreboard
Galle Marvels – 82/6
Nuwara Eliya Kings – 84/5(9.2/10)
Result – Hambantota Bangla Tigers won by 5 wkts
Player of the Match – Tharindu Ratnayake
GAM vs HBT Playing XI
Galle Marvels
Dickwella, Kusal Perera, Hales, Lahiru Udara(WK), Shakib, B Rajapaksa, Kennar Lewis, M Theekshana(C), Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Luke Wood, Sadisha Rajapaksa, Vandersay, Zahoor Khan, B Fernando.
Hambantota Bangla Tigers
Mohammad Shahzad, Kennar Lewis, Kusal Perera(WK), Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka(C), Shevon Daniel, Mosaddek Hossain, Isuru Udana, Eshan Malinga, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Tharindu Ratnayake, Richard Gleeson.
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.