Watch: Shadab Khan hat-trick in LPL 2024 helps Colombo drub Kandy Falcons

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan scripted history in the opening match of the Lanka Premier League 2024. The Pakistan spinner grabbed a hat-trick in his opening game of the season. Shadab Khan is part of the Colombo Strikers team in LPL 2024. 

Notably, Shadab Khan showcased a poor show in the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The former Pakistan vice-captain failed to come up with a good show as his team faced a humiliating first-round exit. Pakistan failed to defeat the USA and India in the opening round and could not enter the Super 8. 

Shadab Khan scored a good knock of 40 runs in the opening game against the USA. However, he got out for 4 and 0 against India and Ireland respectively. He also failed to get any wickets after bowling in two matches. 

WATCH: Shadab Khan stuns LPL 2024 fans with a hat-trick in the opening clash 

However, it looks like the Pakistan spin all-rounder has gained back his form in the Lanka Premier League 2024. He picked a hat-trick during Colombo Strikers vs Kandy Falcons, match 3 of LPL 2024.

He grabbed three back-to-back wickets in the 15th over of the 2nd innings. He dismissed Wanindu Hasaranga, Agha Salman, and Pawan Rathnayake in consecutive deliveries to register his name in Lanka Premier League history. Have a look at the video below.  

0/54 vs Ireland
0/55 vs England
0/20 vs England
0/27 vs USA
0/11 vs Ireland
4/22 vs Kandy

What a comeback by Shadab Khan in league cricket, what a performance 🔥🔥🔥 #LPL2024 pic.twitter.com/wATWM0peyf

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) July 3, 2024

Notably, Shadab Khan has become only the second player in LPL to pick a hat-trick. Wanindu Hasaranaga is the first man to grab the achievement. He finished with the figures of 22/4 for Colombo Strikers across his 4 overs. 

Earlier, he also added 20 runs off 17 balls with the bat. Colombo Strikers won the match by 51 runs to start the LPL 2024 on a winning note. Dunith Wellalage also grabbed a 4-wicket haul in the match. However, Shadab Khan was awarded the player of the match award. 

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Colombo Strikers defeat Kandy Falcons to win opening match of LPL 2024 

Speaking about the match, Colombo Strikers was asked to bat first after losing the toss. They piled up a mammoth 198-7 in 1st innings with the help of Sadeera Samarawickrama (48), Thisara Perera (38), and Muhammad Waseem (32). 

Later, Kandy Falcons were bowled out for just 147 in the 2nd innings within 16 overs, thanks to a superb spell by Shadab Khan who dismantled their middle and lower order.

Before the hat-trick, the batting all-rounder took the crucial wicket of Kamindu Mendis. Dinesh Chandimal was the top run-getter for Kandy Falcons with 38 runs. 

After the match, the Strikers have moved to the top spot in the Lanka Premier League 2024 points table. They have  2 points from 1 game and a net run rate of +2.55.

Kandy Falcons have moved to the 3rd spot with 1 win and 1 defeat in two games. Earlier, they won their opening clash against Dambulla Sixers by 6 wickets. LPL 2024 commenced on July 1 and will witness the final on 21.