In a thrilling culmination to the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023, B-Love Kandy emerged victorious as they secured the title by defeating Dambulla Aura in the final. The match witnessed a masterful performance by Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews, who remained unbeaten to guide his team to a five-wicket triumph with just a ball to spare.
Mathews’ composed innings of 25 not out proved to be the pivotal factor in B-Love Kandy’s championship victory. His resolute presence at the crease ensured that his team achieved the target set by Dambulla Aura, making the victory all the more special.
The highest scorer for the Kandy side was Kamindu Mendis, who played a crucial role in setting the stage for Mathews’ heroics. Mendis contributed a significant 44 runs to the run chase. He formed important partnerships: first amassing 49 runs for the opening wicket with Mohammad Haris, and then adding another valuable 45 runs alongside Dinesh Chandimal before eventually being dismissed by Noor Ahmad.
Ahmad emerged as a standout performer for Dambulla, claiming three wickets, while Binura Fernando secured two wickets, adding intrigue to the contest.
Earlier, Dambulla opted to bat first and managed to post a competitive total of 147-4 in their allotted 20 overs. The partnership between Dhananjaya de Silva (40) and Kusal Perera (31 not out) was instrumental in propelling the team’s score. Their 63-run alliance for the fourth wicket bolstered Dambulla’s efforts to set a challenging target.
Chaturanga de Silva was the pick of the bowlers for Kandy, grabbing two wickets, while Nuwan Pradeep and Mohammad Hasnain contributed with a wicket each.
List of award winners on the night of LPL 2023 Final:
- Winner: B-Love Kandy – USD 100,000
- Runners-up: Dambulla Aura – USD 50,000
- Highest run-scorer: Wanindu Hasaranga – USD 1,500
- Highest wicket-taker: Wanindu Hasaranga – USD 1,500
- Safe Hands of the Tournament: David Miller – USD 1,000
- Emerging Player of the Tournament: Lasith Croospulle – USD 2,000
- Player of the Match in LPL 2023 Final: Angelo Mathews – USD 2,500
- Player of the Tournament: Wanindu Hasaranga – USD 5,000
