Fletcher, Brathwaite keep Falcons on top

Andre Fletcher’s enterprise with the bat coupled with Carlos Brathwaite’s three-wicket haul helped Kandy Falcons bounce back from defeat with an emphatic 77-run victory over Dambulla Aura.

After suffering a surprise loss – their first of the campaign – to Galle Gladiator on Monday, Falcons were back in the winning groove 24 hours later, marching to an imposing 193 for three from their 20 overs at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Fletcher was at the heart of Falcons’ early progress, scoring 44 from 31 deliveries with four fours and three sixes. He put on 48 for the first wicket with Pathum Nissanka (20) and 45 for the second wicket with Kamindu Mendis who struck 58 from 40 deliveries with nine fours.

Fletcher, who started the tournament with a hundred, perished via the run out route in the 12th over but Mendis put on a further 68 for the third wicket with Ashen Bandara, who blasted 42 not out off 22 balls as he in turn posted 32 in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand with Najibullah Zadran (16 not out).

In reply, Aura crumbled for 116 in the 15th over with only Chaturanga de Silva (25) and Noor Ahmad (20) offering any resistance.

Brathwaite proved Aura’s nemesis, snatching three for 25 from three overs after being handed the new ball. His West Indies compatriot Fabian Allen provided support, picking up two for five from just eight balls sent down.

Chamindu Wijesinghe, a 22-year-old pacer, was among the wicket takers, capturing three for 25.

Falcons are alongside Jaffna Kings on eight points but top the standings by virtue of a superior net run rate. (CMC)