Lanka T10 League: Kusal Mendis powers Jaffna Titans to fifth win

By M. Shamil Amit

Kusal Mendis smashed an explosive 79 off 23 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and five sixes, as Jaffna Titans cruised to a nine-wicket win over Colombo Jaguars in the Lanka T10 League at Pallekele. Chasing 99, Mendis and Charith Asalanka’s unbroken 98-run stand secured the victory in just 5.4 overs, maintaining Jaffna’s unbeaten streak.

In the second match, Kandy Bolts edged Nuwara Eliya Kings by five runs. Pathum Nissanka’s 41 helped Kandy post 111 for 9. Despite Avishka Fernando’s unbeaten 50, Nuwara Eliya Kings fell short at 106 for 5.

The third match saw Hambantota Bangla Tigers defeat Galle Marvels by five wickets. Galle struggled to 82 for 6, while Hambantota chased the target in 9.2 overs, thanks to Mossadek Hossain’s 20 not out.

The race for the title begins today, with Jaffna Titans facing Hambantota Bangla Tigers in Qualifier 1, while Galle Marvels meet Kandy Bolts in the Eliminator.

Results:

At Pallekele - Jaffna Titans won by nine wickets
Colombo Jaguars: 99 for 8 in 10 overs (Asif Ali 18, Kamindu Mendis 17, Ramesh Mendis 28 not out; Dunith Wellalage 3/5, Lahiru Kumara 2/19)
Jaffna Titans: 100 for 1 in 5.4 overs (Kusal Mendis 79 not out, Charith Asalanka 16 not out)
At Pallekele - Kandy Bolts won by five runs
Kandy Bolts: 111 for 9 in 10 overs (Pathum Nissanka 41, Shehan Jayasuriya 33; Kasun Rajitha 4/16, Lahiru Madusanka 2/9)
Nuwara Eliya Kings: 106 for 5 in 10 overs (Kyle Mayers 36, Avishka Fernando 50 not out; Thisara Perera 2/11, Arinesto Vezha 2/29)
At Pallekele - Hambantota Bangla Tigers won by five wickets
Galle Marvels: 82 for 6 in 10 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 43 not out; Tharindu Ratnayake 2/10, Sahan Arachchige 2/11)
Hambantota Bangla Tigers: 84 for 5 in 9.2 overs (Dasun Shanaka 19, Mossadek Hossain 20 not out; Jeffrey Vandersay 2/11, Binura Fernando 2/22)