Sri Lanka Army Sports Club launched their campaign for the SLC Premier limited overs knock out title in style as they cruised to a smashing eight wicket victory over Panadura Sports Club in their Group ‘A’ opening encounter worked off at Panagoda yesterday.
Army SC playing on their home ground exploited the conditions to their advantage as they went on to skittle out their opponents for a dismal total of 60 runs from just 22.2 overs and then knocked off those runs in less than fifteen overs.
This was a ruthless performance from Army SC as they were able to accomplish their task with more than two sessions to spare with Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis and his spin partner Seekuge Prasanna playing a major role.
However it was the newcomer Ravindra Palleguruge who actually destroyed the Panadura SC batting while producing a sensational spell of bowling where he snapped up four wickets from just fourteen deliveries without conceding a run.
This effort no doubt could be considered as one of the most destructive spells of bowling in the history of Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket as he looked completely unplayable on a bowler friendly surface at Panagoda.
None of the Panadura SC batsmen were able to enter double figures as they followed like a procession towards the pavilion while managing to stroke just a couple of boundaries during the entire innings.
Army SC then needed only just 14.2 overs to reach their target with opener Rishan Kavinga smashing an unbeaten 27 to complete one of the shortest limited over cricket matches played in Sri Lanka in the recent past.
Panadura SC: 60 in 22.2 overs (Ajantha Mendis 3/14, Seekuge Prasanna 2/14, Ravindra Palleguruge 4/0)
Army SC: 61-2 in 14.2 overs (Rishan Kavinga 27 n. o)
