Left-arm spinner Nimesh Vimukthi spun a web around BBK Partnership with a six-wicket haul, handing Fairfirst Insuarance a thrilling 4-run win in a low-scoring game of the Singer-MCA Super Premier League T20 Tournament, played today (24th December) at MCA Grounds.
After winning the toss, BBK Partnership chose to bowl first and restricted Fairfirst Insuarance to 116 for 9 in their 20 overs. Only two batters managed to reach double figures, with Anuk Fernando top-scoring with an unbeaten run-a-ball 36, while Minod Bhanuka chipped in with 17.
In the bowling department, skipper Vijayakanth Viyaskanth was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 19 in his 4 overs. Mahendiran Kavilan, Murvin Abinash, and Yasiru Rodrigo also claimed two wickets each.
>>Yashoda Lanka, Viyaskanth shine in thrilling win for BBK Partnership
Chasing a modest target of 117, BBK Partnership got off to a flying start, racing to 82 in the powerplay for the loss of two wickets. Ravindu de Silva led the charge with a blistering 39 off just 16 balls, hitting 7 fours and a six. Viyaskanth was also beginning to get going, but he fell for 17 just after the 6th over. A dramatic collapse followed, as the team was bowled out for 112, with plenty of time left in the match.
Nimesh Vimukthi turned the game on its head, dismissing key batters, and ended with remarkable figures of 6 for 26 in 3.1 overs. Opening bowler Chamika Gunasekara also contributed with figures of 2 for 23.
Brief Scores:
Fairfirst Insuarance – 116/9 (20) Anuk Fernando 36*, Minod Bhanuka 17, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 3/19, Mahendiran Kavilan 2/25, Murvin Abinash 2/25, Yasiru Rodrigo
BBK Partnership – 112 (14.1) Ravindu De Silva 39, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 17, Nimesh Vimukthi 6/26, Chamika Gunasekara 2/23, Imthiyas Slaza 1/24, Anuk Fernando 1/37
Result – Fairfirst Insuarance won by 4 runs.
In an earlier match played at the same venue, power-packed CDB ‘A’ continued their dominance with a comfortable 6-wicket win over Hayleys Group ‘A’, registering their fourth straight win. Opting to bowl first, CDB ‘A’ reduced Hayleys Group ‘A’ to 54 for 8 in 10.3 overs. However, a brilliant rearguard action from No. 9 batter Kalana Perera and No. 10 batter Sahan Nanayakkara saw a 70-run partnership revive the innings. Both scored 40 runs, with Perera facing 25 balls and Nanayakkara taking 34 deliveries
Hayleys Group ‘A’ was eventually bowled out for 136 in 19.3 overs, with Movin Subasinghe and skipper Tharindu Rathnayake claiming three wickets each. Dilshan Abeysinghe also picked up two wickets.
In response, CDB ‘A’ chased down the target with 6 wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare. Pawantha Weerasinghe was outstanding at the top, smashing 61 off just 35 balls. His knock also consisted of 4 fours and 5 sixes.
Brief Scores:
Hayleys Group ‘A’ – 136 (19.3) Kalana Perera 40, Sahan Nanayakkara 40, Movin Subasinghe 3/6, Tharindu Rathnayake 3/19, Dilshan Abeysinghe 2/32, Nimsara Atharagalla 1/25
CDB ‘A’ – 137/4 (18.2) Pawantha Weerasinghe 61, Kasun Abeyrathne 22*, Pavan Rathnayake 20, Sonal Dinusha 19*, Sahan Nanayakkara 2/43
Result – CDB ‘A’ won by 6 wickets.
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