Sinhalese Sports Club proved too strong for finalist opponents Army SC in coasting to a 29-run triumph in the final of the Sri Lanka Cricket5 (SLC)) T20 Inter-Club Tournament at the SSC grounds yesterday. However, it was a 16-year long wait for SSC having before that won a T20 tournament in 2005.
SSC, taking first lease posted what was a pleasing total in a final making 146 for 5 wickets off 20 overs with wicket-keeper batsman Krishan Sanjula laying the decisive foundation with a superb unbeaten 71 off 62 balls containing 5 boundaries with moderate contributions from Nipun Dananjaya and Nuwanidu Fernando of 27 runs apiece.
Army SC could muster only 117 off 19.2 overs against tight bowling by Himesh Ramanayake 3 who took 3 for 23, Kalana Perera 2 for 15 and Tharindu Ratnayake 2 for 21. It was significant that the Army total largely revolved around two batsmen in opener Ashan Randika who made 44 and Himasha Liyanage 32.
SSCs Krishan Sanjula was adjudged Man of the Final while Nugegoida SCs Pramud Hettiwatta won the Man-of-the-Tournament:award.
Other tournament award recipients were:
Best Bowler of the Tournament: Ishan Jayaratne (Ragama CC),
Best Batsman of the Tournament: Muditha Lakshan (Nugegoda SC)
(Nugegoda SC)
CHIEF SCORES:
SSC 146/5 (20 Overs)
(Krishan Sanjula 71 n.o, Nipun Dananjaya 27, Nuwanidu Fernando 27, Heshan Hettiarachchi 2/27)
Army CC 117 (19.2 Overs)
(Ashan Randika 44, Himasha Liyanage 32, Himesh Ramanayake 3/23, Kalana Perera 2/15, Tharindu Ratnayake 2/21)