Bangla Tigers Hambantota secured a commanding 47-run victory over Kandy Bolts in the Lanka Premier League T10, powered by scintillating performances from Mohammad Shahzad, Dasun Shanaka, and a fiery cameo from Sabbir Rahman.

Batting first, the Tigers posted a daunting total of 163 for 6, with Shahzad smashing a fifty, Shanaka delivering fireworks, and Sabbir impressing with an astonishing strike rate above 400. Kandy Bolts fell short at 116, succumbing to regular wickets despite brief resistance from their middle order.

Kandy won the toss at Pallekele and opted to field, striking early with the wicket of Kusal Perera. However, Mohammad Shahzad counterattacked, hammering 22 runs in the third over. Partnering with skipper Dasun Shanaka, Shahzad brought up his fifty with seven boundaries and three sixes, scoring 52 off just 18 balls. Shanaka later took charge, slamming 39 off 15 balls with four sixes, while Sabbir Rahman closed the innings with an electrifying cameo. Sabbir smashed two consecutive sixes and ended with 13 runs off just 3 balls. Contributions from Dhananjaya Lakshan and Isuru Udana pushed the total to an imposing 163.

In response, Kandy started positively despite losing George Munsey early. Pathum Nissanka and Dinesh Chandimal kept hopes alive, scoring 15 off 11 and 13 off 5 respectively, but neither could convert their starts. Dasun Shanaka’s double strike derailed the chase, and despite efforts from Jayasuriya and Mohammed Shamaaz, Kandy managed only 116.

This clinical win bolstered Bangla Tigers Hambantota’s position in the LPL T10 standings, highlighting their dominance with both bat and ball.