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Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan turned heads in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 on Tuesday with a spectacular hat-trick for Colombo Strikers. Shadab’s bowling brilliance, coupled with a vital contribution with the bat, steered his team to a dominant 51-run victory over Kandy Falcons at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
This comprehensive victory propelled the Strikers to the top of the LPL points table, while the Falcons currently sit in third position.
A match-winning performance by Shadab Khan
Shadab’s bowling figures of 4 wickets for just 22 runs were instrumental in restricting the Falcons to 147 in 15.5 overs. He etched his name in LPL history by becoming only the second bowler after Wanindu Hasaranga to achieve a hat-trick in the tournament. His dismissal of Hasaranga, followed by Agha Salman and Pawan Rathnayake on successive balls in the 15th over, completely shifted the momentum in Colombo’s favour.
Here’s the video:
Still can't get over Shadab Khan's sensational hat trick from last night! 🎩🔥
The #ColomboStrikers star took 3 wickets back-to-back and didn't stop there! 🏏
Watch the magic unfold again! 🎥#LPL2024 pic.twitter.com/z65mvQ8PoP
— LPL – Lanka Premier League (@LPLT20) July 3, 2024
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Shadab’s impact wasn’t limited to his bowling. Earlier in the first innings, his 17-ball knock of 20 runs provided valuable impetus to the Strikers’ batting total of 198.
In the-post match presentation, Shadab revealed his strategy to score runs along with skipper Thisara Perera, highlighting the importance of playing deep against slower bowling conditions.
“When I went to bat, it was turning a bit when you bowl a bit slower. I was talking to Thisara that if you take it deep, it is easier to hit the pacers,” said Shadab.
“I don’t know, I only know that it is my first one,” the all-rounder said when quizzed about his hat trick.
Colombo soars, Kandy falters
While Shadab stole the show, other Colombo players also made significant contributions. Muhammad Waseem‘s quickfire 32 off 18 deliveries and Sadeera Samarawickrama‘s impressive 48 runs off just 26 balls provided a solid foundation for the team’s batting performance.
