Since the start of last month’s tournament, the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) has faced recurring issues with snake appearances. In the second match between Galle Titans and Dambulla Aura, a snake slithered onto the field, causing a brief halt in the contest.
Although it’s rare for a snake to interrupt a cricket match, it has happened twice following the incident in the second match. The most recent sighting occurred during the match between Jaffna Kings and B-Love Kandy, which the latter won by eight runs.
A snake was observed slithering in the playing area, right next to former Sri Lanka and B-Love Kandy pacer Isuru Udana. Initially unaware of the snake’s presence, the player experienced a momentary scare upon realizing how close it was. He walked backward to his fielding position, eventually moving away from the spot and crouching on the field.
The snake-related incidents didn’t stop there, as another threat occurred during the course of the match. This time, someone spotted the snake beyond the boundary line, but the match continued despite its presence.
What happened in the match?
B-Love Kandy, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, enjoyed a formidable beginning led by the opening duo of Mohammad Haris and Fakhar Zaman. They set the tone with a partnership that yielded over 50 runs for the opening wicket, maintaining a remarkable run-rate of nearly 10 runs per over. Although Zaman was the first to depart, Haris remained a steady force at the opposite end, crafting a magnificent 81 off 51 deliveries, featuring ten boundaries and two powerful maximums. His contribution propelled B-Love Kandy to a total of 178/8 within the allotted 20 overs, showcasing an impressive display of their batting prowess.
In response, Jaffna faced a calamitous start, losing three crucial wickets with just 16 runs on the board. Shoaib Malik, the former Pakistan captain, exhibited a commendable fight, compiling an unbeaten 55 runs off 37 balls, attempting to steady the ship for his team. Nevertheless, Jaffna’s efforts fell short, reaching a total of 170/6 after their 20 overs, thereby falling shy of the target set by B-Love Kandy.
