Colombo Strikers’ Shadab Khan Claims a Hat-Trick On His Lanka Premier League Debut - WATCH

Pakistan cricketer Shadab Khan couldn’t have asked for a better way to move on from his team’s debacle in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup 2024. Making his Lanka Premier League (LPL), Shadab claimed four wickets, including a hat-trick, while giving away just 22 runs in his four overs against the Kandy Falcons. Thanks to his dominant bowling, the Colombo Strikers notched a 51-run victory in Pallekele, kicking off the campaign on a positive note.

Shadab Khan claimed the hat-trick in the 14th over of the second innings when Kandy Falcons were chasing a target of 199 runs. Shadab removed opposition captain Wanindu Hasaranga on the first delivery. The Sri Lankan all-rounder tried to clear the boundary with an elevated shot but ended up being caught by Muhammad Waseem.

Agha Salman was the next batter to fall victim to Shadab Khan, who castled him with a full-length delivery. Salman tried to defend the ball but got baffled by its unpredictable turn. Shadab dished out a googly next and trapped Pavan Rathnayak for an LBW to complete his hat-trick. The Pakistan international took his first wicket in the ninth over of Kandy Falcons’ innings by dismissing Kamindu Mendis.

Besides Shadab Khan, Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage also claimed four wickets for the Colombo Strikers. Among others, Binura Fernando and Glenn Philips picked one wicket each as the Kandy Falcons were bundled out for 147 runs in 17 overs.

Wanindu Hasaranga won the toss and sent the opponents to bat first. The Colombo Strikers lost both of their openers early in the powerplay. Muhammad Waseem and Sadeera Samarawickrama then took over the charge and stitched a 78-run partnership to revive the innings. Following Waseem’s dismissal, Glenn Phillips returned with a duck. Samarawickrama survived till the 11th over but missed out on a half-century by just two runs. Colombo Strikers captain Thisara Perera registered a quickfire 38 while Shadab Khan and Chamika Karunaratne added 20 and 25 runs respectively to the scoresheet. The Colombo Striker will face Galle Marvels in their next LPL fixture on Wednesday, July 3 in Pallekele.