LPL 2021: Security beefed up for Pakistan players participating in the tournament

A Sri Lankan citizen was murdered in the Pakistan city of Sialkot, and as a result, the Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) will now enhance the security measures in place for Pakistan cricketers who are taking part in the 2021 season of the Lanka Premier League.

Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Shoaib Malik, Muhammad Umar, Sohaib Maqsood, Usman Shinwari, Ahmed Shahzad, Anwar Ali, and Mohammad Irfan are the Pakistan players who will ply their trade in the Lanka Premier League.

The Lanka Premier League will be held from 5th December 2021 to 23rd December 2021. As many as 24 matches will be played in the competition.

Galle Gladiators beat Jaffna Kings by 54 runs in the opening match of LPL 2021

The Galle Gladiators started their campaign in the 2021 edition of the Lanka Premier League in sensational fashion, thrashing the Jaffna Kings by 54 runs in the opening rubber. Wielding the willow first, the Gladiators posted a total of 164/7 on the board, with skipper Bhanuka Rajapaksa scoring a quickfire 56 off just 31 deliveries. Apart from Rajapaksa, Samit Patel also scored a whirlwind 31-ball 42 as well.

Jayden Seales produced a superb performance with the ball, and prized out 3 willow wielders in his 4-over quota, giving away only 23 runs as well. In reply, the Jaffna Kings were dismal with the bat and were bowled out for just 110.

Not even a single batter from the Jaffna Kings’ side even crossed the 30-run mark, and 4 willow wielders could not even score in double digits. Samit Patel ripped through the Jaffna Kings’ batting lineup and picked up 3 wickets. Apart from Patel, Mohammad Hafeez and Pulina Tharanga also picked up 2 wickets each.

Samit Patel won the Player of the Match award for his excellent all-round performance. The 2 cities that will host the entire tournament are Colombo and Hambantota. While Colombo will host all the league stage encounters, the knockout fixtures will take place in Hambantota.