The round-robin matches in the SLC Super T20 Provincial Tournament 2015/16 ended on Monday with Hambanthota Troopers and Kandy Crusaders claiming victories at R. Premadasa International Stadium.
Hambanthota Troopers vs Galle Guardians
Malinda Pushpakumara and Lahiru Gamage picked up 3 wickets each as Hambanthota Troopers beat Galle Guardians by 26 runs.
Troopers skipper Seekkuge Prasanna won the toss and elected to bat first. Both Seekkuge and Denuwan Rajakaruna got their team off to a stunning start but lost momentum with the loss of wickets at regular intervals.
Off-spinners, Tilaksha Sumanasiri and Suraj Randiv picked up 2 wickets apiece for Galle while middle-order batsman Priyamal Perera top-scored with a 26-ball 35.
Chasing 149 runs to win, Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Milantha made 31 and 25 runs respectively but left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara and right-arm seamer, Lahiru Gamage ripped through the Galle Guardians’ batting lineup as they crumbled to only 122.
Hambanthota Troopers – 148/8 in 20 overs: Sandun Weerakkody 26, Priyamal Perera 35, Tilaksha Sumanasiri 2/16, Suraj Randiv 2/19.
Galle Guardians – 122 all out in 19.1 overs: Dinesh Chandimal 31, Lahiru Milantha 25, Suraj Randiv 21, Lahiru Gamage 3/17, Malinda Pushpakumara 3/18, Alankara Asanka 2/21, Thilina Thushara 2/30.
Kurunegala Warriors vs Kandy Crusaders
Minod Bhanuka’s cracking half-ton inspired Kandy Crusaders to their first and only win in the tournament beating Kurunegala Warriors by 5 wickets.
Former Peterite Shehan Fernando slammed a 35-ball 56 as the Warriors posted 154 for 9 in 20 overs. Off-spinner Akila Dhananjaya and fast-bowler Saliya Saman picked up 3 wickets apiece for the Crusaders.
Chasing 155 runs in 20 overs, Danushka Gunathilaka made a scintillating 25 off 11 balls and later on, his opening partner Minod consolidated with a composed 37-ball 54 with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Saliya Saman ended the game in style smashing a quick-fire 19-ball 25 to hand the maiden win for Crusaders.
Photo Album – Kurunegala Warriors v Kandy Crusaders – Super T20 Provincial Championship
Kurunegala Warriors – 154/9 in 20 overs: Shehan Fernando 56, Upul Tharanga 25, Rumesh Buddhika 20, Saliya Saman 3/25, Akila Dhananjaya 3/35.
Kandy Crusaders – 156/5 in 17.3 overs: Minod Bhanuka 54, Danushka Gunathilaka 25, Saliya Saman 25, Chathuranga De Silva 2/11.
The Semi-Final lineup:
1st semi-final – 3rd February -Hambanthota Troopers vs Kurunegala Warriors
2nd semi-final – 3rd February – Colombo Commandoes vs Galle Guardians
