Tuskers vs Viiking, 10th Match at Hambantota, LPL, Dec 03 2020 - Ball by Ball Commentary

That's all for today's coverage. Come back again for more LPL action tomorrow. I'm Peter Della Penna. Good night!

Man of the Match Angelo Perera for his 67 off 49 for Viiking: "The team wanted me to stick around because it was not an easy wicket to bat on. [Dasun] is a very positive person. We couldn't take it single by single. We had a game plan to attack a few bowlers and it came off. The ball was sticking and turning a bit so it was a matter of making sure you were watching the ball properly. After being in for 15-20 balls, you have to capitalize on it. We made a few changes that came off really well."

Viiking captain Dasun Shanaka: "We are really happy about the team performance. Our bowlers did a tremendous job for us and we were able to keep them below par. I could read the wicket well so it was easy for me to rotate strike. Angelo was promoted to the top of the order. We all know how good he is and he proved again the type of player he is."

Daren Ganga on TV asked Kusal why he did not bring Naveen-ul-Haq, the tournament's leading wicket taker, until very late. Kusal responded saying they needed wickets but that pace coming onto the ball was easy to hit and he opted for spinners instead.

Tuskers captain Kusal Perera: "We were short 10-15 runs. We capitalized well in the first few overs and the middle but they bowled very well at the death. That's why we couldn't pass 160. The wicket is not really a batting track. It was gripping and a slow track. We were planning for 175+ but they bowled very well."

11.20 pm They made it a touch adventurous on themselves after the last strategic timeout, but Viiking get over the line by four balls in the end, quite comfortable. Kandy were always facing an uphill battle after posting a subpar total. They fought gamely in the first eight overs but Angelo Perera and Dasun Shanaka's partnership made sure Viiking claimed victory without too much stress. The win keeps Viiking within striking distance of first place, two points behind table leaders Jaffna Stallions. Tuskers have one win from five matches, just above winless Galle Gladiators on the opposite end of the standings.

And just like that, the run rate is back below a run a ball again.

Owais Shah is muttering to himself in what looks like very annoyed fashion in the Viiking dugout. Would his side dare blow this?

Naveen returns. His first over was underwhelming.

Both set men fall in the space of seven balls after the strategic timeout. Is The Annexation of Puerto Rico actually going to happen? (For those unaware, it's a reference from the movie "Little Giants").

Slip in for the new man Samiullah Shenwari's first ball.

Dilruwan back for some offspin.