Towhid Hridoy's debut half-century helps Jaffna Kings off to a flyer

Towhid Hridoy scored a half-century on his debut in overseas franchise cricket to help Jaffna Kings to a 21-run victory over Colombo strikers in the opening match of the Lanka Premier League on Sunday.

The explosive Bangladesh batter anchored the defending champion Jaffna's innings with a 39-ball 54 as Jaffna posted 173 for five in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Hridoy's innings featured three fours and a six and was the highest score for the side, with Dunith Wellalage's unbeaten 25 the second-best score.

Strikers, who did not field Bangladesh's Shoriful Islam in their side, started the run-chase strongly but eventually fell short by 21 runs, being bowled out for 152 in 19.4 overs. Niroshan Dickwella's 34-ball 58 was the highlight of the Colombo innings.

Apart from Hridoy and Shoriful, two other Bangladeshi cricketers – Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Mithun -- are also part of the roster in the LPL this year.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi umpire Gazi Sohel made his debut today in a foreign franchise league through this match.