By Srian Obeyesekere
Sri Lanka Emerging defeated Japan by wickets in the opening T20 at the Sano International Cricket Ground yesterday. The Lankans made 98 for 5 off 15.3 overs in overhauling Japan’s 97 for 6 off 20.
Japan, a mixture of domiciled different nationals, including two Sri Lankans, seeking to scale the iceberg to fund ICC recognition going one step by it’s U19 team qualifying for the U19 World Cup, did come up with a moderate performance batting first. Kendel Kadoaaki too scored with 21 with other contributions from Marcus Thur 14 and Reo Sakurano unbeaten on 14 each respectively and Ibrahim Takahashi 13.
Sri Lanka Emerging captain Dellon Peiris took 3 for 21 as the Lankans drove home anchored by a run a ball 25 by Ranmith Jayasena inclusive of a six, Dunith Jayatunga 22 and Dellon Peiris 17 and Sahil Dias 13. Japan’s Ibrahim Takashi impressed with the ball taking 3 for 17.
CHIEF SCORES:
Japan 97/6 (20 Overs)
(Kendel Kadoaaki 21, Marcus Thur n.o. 14, Reo Sakurano 14, Ibrahim Takahashi 13, Dellon Peiris 3/21, Danal Hemananda 1/14, Lakshan Gamage 1/16, Sithum Disanayaka 1/30)
Sri Lanka Emerging 98/5 (15.3 Overs)
(Ranmith Jayasena 25, Dunith Jayatunga 18, Dellon Peiris n.o. 17, Sahil Dias 13, Ibrahim Takahashi 3/17, Makoto Taniyama 1/12, Sandaruwan 1/17)
