Tamil Union reach final after Super Over thriller
Sri Lanka CricketNews article
Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club qualified for the final after winning the first semi-final of the Major Clubs T20 tournament in a Super Over following a thrilling contest at the SSC Ground in Colombo today (13). The scores were tied at 193 apiece after the stipulated 20 overs, with the winner decided by a Super Over.
Binura Fernando dismissed Nishan Madushka and Dulnith Sigera, who came out to bat for CCC in the Super Over, with the first two deliveries. Tamil Union then comfortably completed the runs required for victory, with Shevon Daniel's six bringing the Super Over to an end.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Tamil Union scored 193 for 6 from their 20 overs. Thanuka Dabare provided a rapid start with 42 off 17 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Although the scoring slowed somewhat during the middle of the Tamil Union innings, it accelerated again in the final few overs.
Sharujan Shanmuganathan made an unbeaten 36, Thevindu Senarathne scored 33 and Sachitha Jayatilake struck 32 off 20 balls to take Tamil Union to that total. Lahiru Samarakoon's unbeaten 12 off 4 balls in the final over was also crucial in lifting Tamil Union to 193.
Chasing a target of 194, captain Nishan Madushka fought hard to guide CCC to victory with a captain's innings. Opening the batting, Madushka remained unbeaten on 109 off 65 balls, including 7 fours and 6 sixes. However, Colombo Cricket Club were unable to turn his superb century into a match-winning innings.
Dulnith Sigera provided excellent support to Madushka with 31 off 18 balls, while Lasith Croospulle made 20 off 10 deliveries. However, Tamil Union's bowlers fought back in the closing stages, limiting Colombo Cricket Club to 193 from their allotted 20 overs.
Binura Fernando produced an excellent bowling display for Tamil Union, taking 3 wickets for 30 runs, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Sachitha Jayatilake claimed one wicket apiece.
Tamil Union sealed victory in the Super Over after the match ended in a tie and advanced to this year's tournament final. They will now face SSC in the final on the 16th.
Tamil Union – 193/6 (20 overs) – Thanuka Dabare 42, Sharujan Shanmuganathan not out 36, Thevindu Senarathne 33, Sachitha Jayatilake 32, Lahiru Samarakoon not out 12, Binura Fernando 30/3, Lasith Croospulle 10/2, Duvindu Ranatunga 48/2
CCC – 193/6 (20 overs) – Nishan Madushka not out 109, Dulnith Sigera 31, Lasith Croospulle 20, Binura Fernando 30/3, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 33/1, Thanuka Dabare 28/1, Sachitha Jayatilake 28/1
Based on Sri Lanka Cricket reporting