The final week of the AIA Premier T20 Tournament 2015/16 commenced on Tuesday with two matches being worked out at P. Sara Oval grounds.
Saracens Sports Club recorded their first win of the tournament when they outclassed the high-riding Ragama Cricket Club outfit by just 2 runs in a thrilling game while Bloomfield C & AC strengthened their position to book a semi-final spot when they coasted to a 7-wicket win over the title favourites, NCC.
Ragama vs Saracens
Off-spinner Alankara Asanka’s brilliant spell of bowling, 4 overs, 13 runs and 4 wickets ensured Saracens to claim the victory in a low-scoring humdinger.
Saracens skipper Harsha Cooray won the toss and elected to bat first. Former Peterite and Sri Lanka U19 skipper Chathura Peiris picked up 3 wickets for Ragama as Saracens succumbed to only 114 for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Alankara top-scored with 23 while none of the other batsmen crossed the 20-run mark.
Photo Album – Ragama vs Saracens – Premier T20 Tournament 2015/16
Chasing a solitary 115 runs to win, the strong Ragama batting order comprised of Lahiru Thirimanne, Udara Jayasundara and Lahiru Milantha crumbled to just 112 in the last over of the match. Wicket-keeper batsman Sameera Zoysa was the only batsman to shine as he remained unbeaten on 56.
Saracens – 114/9 in 20 overs: Alankara Asanka 23, Mohommad Aslam 19, Chathura Peiris 3/28.
Ragama – 112 all out in 19.2 overs: Sameera Zoysa 56*, Alankara Asanka 4/13, Chanaka Ruwansiri 2/23.
NCC vs Bloomfield
Solid knock by Primosh Perera guided Bloomfield to a famous 7-wickets win over NCC.
The left-hander made a stylish 37-ball 49 including 2 sixes and 4 fours to anchor the run-chase. NCC after being sent into bat made only 140 for 9 from their allotted 20 overs. Opener Upul Tharanga made a brilliant 62 off 48 deliveries while skipper Farveez Maharoof chipped in with 32. Four bowlers picked up 2 wickets each for the winning team. Bloomfield reached the target with one over to spare.
Photo Album – NCC vs Bloomfield – Premier T20 Tournament 2015/16
NCC – 140/9 in 20 overs: Upul Tharanga 62, Farveez Maharoof 32, Dilshan Munaweera 2/24, Vishwa Fernando 2/17, Adeesha Nanayakkara 2/33, Lahiru Madusanka 2/37.
Bloomfield – 143/3 in 19 overs: Primosh Perera 49, Dilshan Munaweera 30, Dilhan Cooray 28, Jehan Mubarak 2/27.
