Sri Lanka A went one up in the seven-match unofficial T20 series with a crushing six wicket win over Kenya at CCC grounds today.
After curtailing Kenya to a mere 125 runs in 19.4 overs despite a blistering start, Sri Lanka A reached the target with 14 balls to spare when Lahiru Thirmanne lofted Shem Ngoche to the long-on boundary to seal an impressive win.
Batting first Kenyan openers Steve Tikolo and Nehemiah Odhiambo put on a blistering 41 for the first wicket inside five overs setting a perfect platform for a huge score but Sri Lanka came back strongly in the next 15 overs to curtailed them to a meager total on a good batting track. Medium pacer Dilhara Lokuhettige claimed the best figures taking three for 20 but it was the young Ramith Rambukwella who was the star of the proceedings taking three crucial wickets with his right arm off-spin to finish with figures of three for 23.
Sri Lanka A started off poorly losing opener Shehan Jayasuriya in the first over but the rest of the batting struck form to help Sri Lanka go one up in the unofficial series. Thirimanne showed his class with an unbeaten 36 while Dinesh Chandimal (25), Dhanushka Gunathilaka (37) and Jeevan Mendis (16 not out) chipped in with useful contributions to finish things off in style.
The second and third matches will be played on Tuesday at the NCC grounds.
Kenya: 125 all out in 19.4 overs (Steve Tikolo 44, Shem Ngoche 20; Ramith Rambukwella 3 for 23, Dilhara Lokuhettige 3 for 20)
Sri Lanka A 127 for 4 in 17.3 overs (Dhanushka Gunathilaka 37, Dinesh Chandimal 25, Lahiru Thirimanne 36 n.o., Jeevan Mendis 16 n.o)
