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The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 clash at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo was interrupted by an unexpected visitor on July 31. A snake entered the ground during Dambulla Aura’s run chase and the Bangladesh T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan had to wait for a while before the umpire chased it out of the ropes.
The incident took place before the fifth over of Aura’s innings. Dasun Shanaka introduced Shakib into the attack with Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Perera in the middle. Silva was all set to face Shakib when the snake entered the ground. The video has been making rounds on the internet.
India’s wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik who is currently commentating in fifth Ashes Test was quick to react on Twitter as he tweeted: “The naagin is back I thought it was in Bangladesh”.
Shakib delivered an economical spell conceding 25 runs from his quota of four overs while defending a total of 180. Also he took the wicket of Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Earlier, Kusal Mendis won the toss and opted to field first. Despite an early wicket from Shahnawaz Dahani, Shevon Dnaiel and Bhanuka Rajapaksa got Galle Titans off to a good start. Rajapaksa missed his half-century by just two runs. Shakib contributed with a cameo whereas skipper Shanaka's fiery 21-ball 42 helped Titans post 180/5.
In the run chase, Aura lost both their openers early in the innings. Silva and Perera's partnership kept Aura in hunt but Shanaka got both the wickets. Alex Ross's unbeaten 28-ball 39 and cameo from Hayder Kerr helped Aura tie the match.
In the super over, Kasun Rajitha conceded just nine runs and took the wicket of Perera. Rajapaksa finished the game for his team in just three balls bowled by Ravindhu Fernando.
“Really pleased to see the way we played. We could have done better with the bowling. Bowling needs to improve a little. Batting has been top notch,” ‘Player of the match’ Shanaka who took three wickets and scored unbeaten 42 said in the post-match presentation.
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