Kaushal and Kandamby propel SSC into final

SAJEEWA JAYAKODY

Wicket-keeper batsman Kaushal Silva’s unbeaten knock of 101 and steady batting by captain Thilina Kandamby (75) helped SSC to reach the final of the Premier Limited Over Tournament when they recorded a convincing seven-wicket win over NCC at the SSC grounds yesterday.

The 26-year-old right hander came to the crease when SSC were struggling at 14 for two in the third over as NCC opening bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera and Chaminda Vidanapathirana bowled vicious spells as they got some bounce and movement off the pitch.

Chasing a modest target of 223 in the batting-friendly SSC wicket, opener Danushka Gunatilleke retired hurt (24) when SSC were 72 for 2 in the 16th over as other opener Harith Maduwantha got out for duck as regular opener Kaushal Lokuarachchi did not bat yesterday. One drop Bhanuka Rajapakse was in good nick before he was well caught by substitute Aamil Anas at the deep fine leg for 10.

Both batsmen played patiently, after they came together when Gunatilleke retired hurt with only 72 on the board. They put on a 147-run partnership for the third wicket. After winning the important toss, skipper Kandamby put NCC to bat hoping to gain the early advantage of the SSC wicket, which helps pacemen in the first two hours.

NCC opened with Sandun Weerakkody and Niroshan Dickwella. Left-handed Dickwella scored 34 runs. NCC batsmen couldn’t consolidate as they were getting out in the 30s. The top five batsmen fell before part-time spinner Dansuhka Gunatilleke captured five for 28 with a maiden over in his 10 overs. SSC got the prized wicket of Angelo Perera, having scored two sparkling centuries and couple of brisk half tons.

The 23-year-old former St Peter’s batsman caught at sweeper cover off Gunatilleke as the fifth wicket with the NCC total at 118. Since then NCC’s intention was to play out 50 overs to put up a decent score. In the second semi-final, Colts CC will take on Ragama CC at at 10am today.

NCC: 222/9 (Niroshan Dickwella 34, Sandun Weerakkody 33, Lahiru Madusanka 33, Ramith Rambukwella 30, Angelo Perera 29, Danushka Gunatilleke 5/28, Dilhara Fernando 2/45).

SSC: 223/3 in 39.1 overs (Kaushal Silva 101 n.o, Thilina Kandamby 75, Dansuhka Gunatilleke 24 retired hurt, Chaminda Vidanapathirana 2/54).