Gladiators vs Falcons, 4th Match at Hambantota, LPL, Dec 07 2022 - Match Result

And that brings to an end to our coverage for the day. Reminder that tomorrow will have just the one match, at 3pm, between Dambulla Aura and Colombo Stars. Be sure to join us for that, but until then on behalf of Abhimanyu, this is Madushka saying goodbye!

Winning captain Wanindu Hasaranga: "Our foreign players have done a really good job, as well our local players, we have a really good experienced side. We have a good bench as well, we're going with a balanced side. Sometimes good players have to take their chances. [looking forward to playing in Kandy?] Yeah we'll be playing in front of our home crowd, and hope for good support from our fans."

Losing captain Kusal Mendis: "We lost a few wickets early and that really set the tone for the low total. Next match we need to win, we have a few more players to utilise in our squad so I think we can hope for a better performance next time."

Carlos Brathwaite is the Player of the Match for his figures of 4 for 14: "In terms of the bowling just kept it simple, tried to get the edge into play. Got a couple of fortunate ones, but all in all happy with my new role in opening the bowling."

Time now for the presentation ceremony...

Tinura: "Winning with 5 overs to spare and still NRR decreases! Falcons are here this time to fight...." Indeed, hard to believe this is the same team that had won just three games in both of the last two editions.

10.43pm Falcons win then with five wickets to spare, and it's just them and Kings that have a perfect record still intact. It's fitting that Carlos Brathwaite was out in the middle when the winning runs were scored as it was his four wicket burst in the powerplay that set up an ultimately comfortable win. Yes there were some dropped catches that let Gladiators back into the game - and that's something Falcons will be keen to brush up on - but even with those indiscretions they managed to limit their opponents to just 121. Then in the chase, Nissanka and Fletcher once more set a decent platform before Mendis took the chase through to the end, only falling short right at its conclusion.

That wicket brings the skipper to the crease.

Mendis goes for a well played 44 off 34.

Nice little side-by-side comparison on broadcast between Thushara and Zahoor Khan's slinging actions. Zaman looks to have a straighter wrist, which will likely help with more swing.

nis: "@madushka Speaking of the pre world cup domestic tournament, I remember Movin Subasinghe dispatching Hasaranga for couple of sixers in that tournament. Since then I was looking forward for him to play LPL and have a breakthrough season. Will see if he continues the good form shown today" Good shout. Even Dabare, who got out very early today, had a pretty impressive tournament.

They briefly check for Pradeep possibly overstepping, but he's got just enough behind the line.