Two games in the National Super League 50 Overs Tournament took place in Colombo and Hambantota as Team Colombo and Team Galle recorded victories. As a result, both teams are now tied at the top of the points table with an equal number of points.
At the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Team Kandy batted first after winning the toss and posted a modest total of 197 in tricky conditions. Left-handed opening batter Thanuka Dabare top-scored for Team Kandy with 51 runs, while Kavin Bandara and Kamil Mishara made decent contributions, scoring 38 and 34, respectively.
With the ball for Team Galle, Muditha Lakshan stood out, taking 4 wickets while maintaining an economical rate in his 10-over spell.
>>Mohammed Shamaz inspires Team Jaffna to an emphatic victory with a stunning century.
In reply, Yashodha Lanka led Team Galle to victory in their run chase, anchoring the innings with an impressive century. His knock of 110 included 14 fours and 4 sixes. Dhananjaya Lakshan also contributed with a match-winning 41. However, Yohan Maddege and Sahan Arachchige created some trouble for the Galle batters, picking up 4 and 3 wickets, respectively, before the game came to a close.
Meanwhile, at Hambantota, Team Jaffna batted first after winning the toss in their game against Colombo but failed to justify the decision, as they were bowled out for just 161, despite the typically favorable batting conditions. Mohammed Shamaz was once again the top scorer for Jaffna with 41.
Kavindu Nadeeshan, for the second game running, was the key for Team Colombo with the ball, grabbing 3 wickets for 35 runs. Teenager Akmal Fazly also impressed, taking 3 wickets.
Team Colombo chased down their target comfortably within 26 overs. Sri Lankan caps Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando led the charge, guiding Colombo to victory with scores of 46 and 41, respectively.
Kandy 197 (49.1) Thanuka Dabare 51, Kavin Bandara 38, Kamil Mishara 34, Muditha Lakshan 4/23, Dunith Wellalage 2/30, Akila Dananjaya 2/36
Galle 198/8 (33.5) Yashoda Lanka 110, Dhananjaya Lakshan 41, Yohan Maddege 4/59, Sahan Arachchige 3/37
Result – Galle won by 2 wickets
Jaffna 161 (31.4) Mohammed Shamaz 41, Hasitha Boyagoda 21, Kavindu Nadeeshan 3/35, Akmal Fazly 3/41
Colombo 163/5 (25.3) Kusal Perera 46, Avishka Fernando 41, Charith Asalanka 32, Pulina Tharanga 2/21, Sandun Weerakkody 2/25
Result – Colombo won by 5 wickets
