Former skipper Dasun Shanaka led SLC Team Red to victory over SLC Team Yellow in the fourth match of the SLC T20 World Cup Preparation Tournament played yesterday (8) at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. Shanaka’s unbeaten 63 off 38 balls, peppered with 4 fours and 5 sixes, was the highlight of the match, and helped his team set a commanding total of 192 for 8 wickets in 20 overs. Alongside Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis (30) and Avishka Fernando (25) also contributed to their team’s score with some impressive batting.
Despite the efforts of Lahiru Kumara, who picked up 3 wickets for 56 runs for SLC Team Yellow, and the two-wicket hauls of Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay, SLC Team Red emerged victorious. It is noteworthy that skipper Wanindu Hasaranga did not bowl a single over during the match.
In reply, SLC Team Yellow fell short of the target, managing to score only 152 for 9 wickets in 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka’s 41 off 20 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, and Wanindu Hasaranga’s 28 off 20 balls, with a four and 2 sixes, were the only notable performances in their innings. The left-arm seamer Binura Fernando and left-arm spinner Nimesh Vimukthi shone with the ball for SLC Team Red, taking 3 wickets each, while Lahiru Samarakoon took 2 for 20.
The tournament continues with two more matches at the same venue: SLC Greens will play against SLC Reds on the 10th, while SLC Yellow will face SLC Greens on the 11th.
Chief Scores
SLC Reds – 192 for 8 wickets in 20 overs Niroshan Dikwella 17, Dasun Shanaka 63*, Kamindu Mendis 30, Avishka Fernando 25,Charith Asalanka 12, Lahiru Samarakoon 12 Lahiru Kumara 3/56, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/21, Dunith Wellalage 2/22
SLC Yellow – 152 for 9 wickets in 20overe Pathum Nissanka 41, Wanindu Hasaranga 28, Angelo Mathews 25, Binura Fernando 3/22, Nimesh Vimukthi 3/34, Lahiru Samarakoon 2/20
Dhammika Ratnaweera