JFT vs HBT (Final Match) – Highlights
This piece dives into the electrifying showdown between JFT and HBT, a nail-biting T10 clash loaded with adrenaline and high-stakes drama. The match saw explosive performances as Hambantota Bangla Tigers clinched a commanding 26-run victory. Despite a spirited effort, the Jaffna Titans fell short in their chase.
The match between the Hambantota Bangla Tigers and the Jaffna Titans was a thrilling display of T10 cricket, packed with explosive batting, tight bowling, and high drama. Batting first, the Hambantota Bangla Tigers posted a formidable total of 133/7 in their allotted 10 overs.
Mohammad Shahzad gave the Tigers a flying start with a quickfire 26 off 11 balls, striking two boundaries and two sixes before being run out in a sharp fielding effort by Pavan Rathnayake and Kusal Mendis. Kusal Perera, though starting positively, was bowled by Treveen Mathew for 9, while Sabbir Kohler-Cadmore played an aggressive cameo of 16 off 8 balls but fell to Malsha Tharupathi’s bowling.
Captain Dasun Shanaka contributed a brisk 21 off 10 balls, but it was Shevon Daniel’s 26 off 15 balls that added crucial runs in the middle overs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Tigers managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, aided by extras, which contributed 14 runs to the total.
In the death overs, Dhananjaya Lakshan’s unbeaten 10 and Sahan Arachchige’s cautious approach ensured the team crossed the 130-run mark. Richard Gleeson’s 2/30 and Treveen Mathew’s 2/18 were the standout performances with the ball for the Titans.
In response, the JFT faced early setbacks, losing their openers, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Kusal Mendis, within the first two overs. Kohler-Cadmore’s innings ended for 10 runs, caught by Sahan Arachchige off Gleeson, while Mendis fell for 11, caught and bowled by Gleeson.
Charith Asalanka struggled to make an impact, managing just 1 run. Tom Abell was the lone warrior for the Titans, smashing an unbeaten 54 off 27 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, to keep his side in contention. However, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, with Shanaka’s double strike removing Pavan Rathnayake and David Wiese in quick succession.
Gleeson’s 3/21 and Shanaka’s economical 2/4 sealed the game for the HBT, as the Titans were restricted to 107/6, falling 26 runs short of the target.
Jaffna Titans vs Hambantota Bangla Tigers Scoreboard
Hambantota Bangla Tigers– 133/7
Jaffna Titans – 107/6(10/10)
Result – Hambantota Bangla Tigers won by 26 runs
Player of the Match – Dasun Shanaka
JFT vs HBT Playing Eleven
Hambantota Bangla Tigers
Mohammad Shahzad, Kusal Perera(WK), Sabbir Kohler-Cadmore, Dasun Shanaka(C), Shevon Daniel, Isuru Udana, Kennar Lewis, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Sahan Arachchige, Ratnayake, Eshan Malinga, Richard Gleeson
Jaffna Titans
Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Kusal Mendis(WK), Charith Asalanka, Tom Abell, Pavan Rathnayake, David Wiese(C), Dwaine Pretorius, George Garton, Malsha Tharupathi, Nuwan Thushara, Treveen Mathew, Pramod Madushan
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.