LPL 2023: Watch - Kusal Mendis Effects MS Dhoni-esque Run Out To Dismiss Lahiru Samarakoon In Galle Titans vs Dambulla Aura Match

Dambulla Aura skipper Kusal Mendis pulled off a stunning run-out during the 14th match of the ongoing edition of the Lankan Premier League (LPL). Kusal Mendis ran out Galle Titans batter Lahiru Samarakoon at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 11.

Dambulla Aura skipper Kusal Mendis won the toss and opted to bowl. Dambulla bowlers restricted the opposition team to a total of 133/9 in the allocated 20 overs. The Kusal Mendis-led team chased down the target by seven wickets with 14 balls to spare.

Watch – Kusal Mendis Effects Dhoni-esque Run Out

The incident took place in the final over of the Galle Titans’ innings. Lahiru Samarakoon flicked the ball towards deep square leg and attempted a second run. Sadeera Samarawickrama quickly collected the ball and threw it towards the striker’s end to the wicketkeeper.

Although the throw was quite far from the stumps, Kusal Mendis gathered the ball and threw it towards the stumps. Mendis dislodged the bails, and the batter fell short of the crease despite putting in a dive. Samarakoon scored six runs off 10 balls before being run out.

Fan Code took to Twitter/X to share a clip of the run-out and wrote in the caption, “Wayward throw? No worries. Mendis got you covered in a Dhoni-esque manner.”

Wayward throw? No worries.

Mendis got you covered ? in a Dhoni-esque manner ?#LPL2023 #LPLonFanCode pic.twitter.com/RvXpRibdN9

— FanCode (@FanCode) August 12, 2023

Dambulla Aura Topped Five-Team Points Table

Earlier, Galle Titans skipper Dasun Shanaka scored 36 runs off 26 balls with the help of five boundaries. However, the other batters failed to contribute with the bat, ending with a below-par total. Dambulla used six bowling options in the match, and all of them picked at least one wicket.

In the run chase, Avishka Fernando scored an unbeaten 70 runs off 49 balls, including three fours and as many sixes. Kusal Mendis failed to make an impact with the bat in the match. The right-handed batter was dismissed for 18 runs off 24 deliveries before being dismissed by Lahiru Kumara.

Following the victory, the Dambulla-based franchise moved to the top of the five-team points table. The franchise has registered four victories and two losses in the tournament so far. They will take on the Colombo Strikers in their next match at the same ground on Saturday, August 12.