It could not have got any better in the Sri Lanka Cricket Invitational League T20 Tournament – thicker into the feel of things going into the fifth contest on a day the SLC Reds hit the winning board as did its experienced skipper Dinesh Chandimal in breaking a form drought in a 10-wicket triumph over the SLC Greens at the Pallekelle International Stadium yesterday. Following an injury during his innings Chandimal retired hurt within sight of victory for Asela Gunaratne to join Fernando in that final spurt.

 If chasing down 144 was breezy stuff hogged by his opening partner Avishka Fernando weaving a magical 58-ball assault of 82 blasting 6 sixes and 4 boundaries, Chandimal’s 44-ball 51 fashioned in 4 boundaries and a six was in the typical classical mould. It was a defining statement of heady temperament that has proved to be a measured yardstick in whatever form of cricket. Of course, the encounter would not be complete without the dash of young Kamindu Mendis’ 42-ball 66 tucked with 4 boundaries and 2 sixes for the Greens in a blistering tournament showmanship of 74 and 53 in his previous outings.

The Greens, batting first made 143 for 7 off 20 overs. Sammu Ashan made 29 off 20 with 2 sixes and a boundary. Chamika Karunarane weighed in with 3 wickets for 26 and Seekuge Prasanna 2 for 20 for the Reds.

CHIEF SCORES:

SLC Greens 143/7 (20 Overs) RR: 7.15

(Kamindu Mendis 66, Sammu Ashan 29, Krishan Sanjula 15, Lahiru Udara 14, Chamika Karunaratne 3/26, Seekuge Prasanna 2/20)

SLC Reds 144/0 (17.3 Overs) RR: 8.22

(Avishka Fernando n.o. 82, Dinesh Chandimal retd. hurt 51, Asela Gunaratne n.o. 3)