International College of Business Technology (ICBT) defended their title successfully as they outclassed Kothalawala Defence University (KDU) by 27 runs in the final of the Red Bull Campus Tournament 2015 worked off at the Thurstan grounds on Tuesday.
The much anticipated Red Bull Campus final between ICBT and KDU was hampered by rain early on but great efforts from the ground staff meant that a 11-over affair was possible to the delight of the large crowd gathered at the Thurstan grounds.
ICBT skipper Malshan Mendez won the toss and elected to have a bat first and put up a formidable 116/6 in their 11 overs with useful contribution coming from Sri Lankan T20 batsman Shehan Jayasuriya, UAE representative during the ICC CWC 2015 Andri Berenger and right handed Anushka Perera who shone once again with the bat making an unbeaten 26 off just 13 balls including two sixes. Ashan Perera picked up two wickets for KDU while most of their bowlers took a battering from the ICBT batters.
KDU got off to a flying start with Ashan Perera teeing off but after his departure for a quick fire 32 KDU lost their way and were eventually bowled out for 89 runs in the final ball off their innings in fading light. Malinga De silva was brilliant with the ball for ICBT capturing three wickets while he got good support from right arm fast bowler Adeesha Nanayakkara who picked up two wickets.
ICBT who were crowned champions for the second consecutive year of the Red Bull Campus Tournament have now qualified for the World Campus Finals to be held in India later this year.
ICBT- 116/6 in 11 overs: Andri Berenger 23, Shehan Jayasuriya 28, Anushka Perera 26*, Ashan Perera 2/12
KDU – 89 all out in 11 overs: Ashan Perera 32, Adeesha Nanayakkara 2/16, Malinga de Silva 3/12
