Combined Province in major upset

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Combined Province created a major upset when they defeated the defending champions Wayamba Province by seven wickets in their SLC inter provincial Twenty20 cricket tournament match worked off at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

After restricting their opponents to 155 for 7, the Combined Province team raced to their target with more than one over to spare. Former Sri Lanka ‘A’ cap Ashan Priyanjana led the way with a 33 ball half century inclusive of three sixes and three boundaries.

Skipper Jeevan Mendis and all rounder Sachith Pathirana then added the finishing touches with an unbeaten fourth wicket partnership of 43 runs from just four overs.

Earlier Wayamba Province electing to bat first did well to reach a healthy 155 for 7 from their 20 overs. Former Sri Lanka player Chamara Silva hit a top score of 41 from 31 deliveries with the help of one six and three boundaries. Wayamba Province: 155 for 7 in 20 overs (T. Kandamby 28, C. Silva 41, C. Vidanapathirana 2 for 27, A. Mendis 2 for 27, S. Pathirana 2 for 25) Combined Province: 156 for 3 in 18.3 overs (D. Gunatilleke 33, A. Priyanjana 52, J. Mendis 33 n.o, S. Pathirana 21 n.o).

Kulatunga helps Basnahira

Sri Lanka discard Jeewantha Kulatunga hammered an unbeaten half century to help Basnahira Province beat Ruhuna Province by 34 runs in their SLC inter provincial Twenty20 cricket tournament match worked off at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

The dashing right hander hoisted three sixes and struck six boundaries during his 47 ball 69 not out as Basnahira Province amassed a formidable 166 for 3 from their 20 overs having put into bat.

Basnahira Province: 166 for 3 in 20 overs (D. Munaweera 30, T. Dilshan 20, J. Kulatunga 69 n.o, R. Rambukwella 28) Ruhuna: 132 in 18.3 overs (M. Udawatte 28, M. Siriwardena 20, Y. Lanka 20, C. Perera 21, C. Peiris 3 for 19, T. Dilshan 3 for 16).