Lahiru Madushanka claimed 4 for 35 and Pathum Nissanka struck an unbeaten 84 as the Sri Lanka Emerging Team routed the University Sports South Africa XI by 8 wickets in the final of the 50-Over Triangular Tournament played yesterday at Pretoria.

University Sports South Africa XI, who were the reigning champions having won the title last year, batting first were restricted to 180 for 7 wickets off 50 overs. Pace bowler Madushanka was the architect of the Sri Lankans victory producing a tight spell to put the skids on the University Sports South Africans. Top scorer for the host team was D. Potgieter who made 52 off 88 balls inclusive of 3 boundaries while R.A. Herman was unbeaten on 63 off 93 with 2 boundaries.

When the Sri Lanka Emerging Team batted, Pathum Nissanka made light of the 181-run target in continuing his fine form with the bat on tour in the wake of his match winning century in the previous game. He struck 7 boundaries and 2 sixes in his 108-ball knock while Kamindu Mendis lent fine support making 40 off 63 inclusive of 4 boundaries. After his dismissal, skipper Charith Asalanka stepped in to smash an unbeaten 29 off 21 balls containing 3 sixes to seal victory. Opener Sadun Weerakkody contributed with 26 off 36 balls hitting 3 boundaries. Madushanka was adjudged the Player of the Match for his fine performance with the ball.

University Sports South Africa XI Innings 180/7  (50 Overs) Run Rate: 3.6

(D. Potgieter 52 , R.A. Herman 63 n.o., L. Senokwane 19,L. Philander 11, L.D. Madushanka 4/35 )

Sri Lanka Emerging Team 184/2 (37.4 Overs) Run Rate: 4.88

(P. Nissanka 84 n.o., P.H.K.D. Mendis 40, D.S. Weerakkody 26, K.I.C. Asalanka 29 n.o.)

 By Srian Obeyesekere

-The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Sri Lanka Cricket-