SSC beat NCC to reach final
Sri Lanka CricketNews article
SSC qualified for the final of the Major Clubs T20 tournament after defeating NCC by 46 runs in the second semi-final. Batting first in the match played tonight (13) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, SSC scored 196 for 4 from their 20 overs. In reply, NCC were bowled out for 150 in 19 overs.
Kusal Mendis and Nuwanidu Fernando struck half-centuries in SSC's innings to help their side compile a strong total. Kusal Mendis made 50 off 35 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes, while Nuwanidu Fernando scored 50 off 30 deliveries with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Captain Avishka Fernando struck 36 off 17 balls with 3 sixes. Vishad Randika made 35, while Nipuna Dhananjaya finished unbeaten on 14.
In NCC's reply, Niroshan Dickwella struck a brisk 38, while Kavin Bandara scored 41. However, a middle-order collapse prevented NCC from reaching the target. Captain Chamika Karunaratne made 13, while Sahan Arachchige scored 21.
Malsha Fernando starred with the ball for SSC, taking 3 wickets for 22 runs from 4 overs, while Kavindu Nadeeshan also claimed 3 for 25. Their bowling played a major role in restricting NCC to 150 in 19 overs.
Following the results of the two semi-finals, SSC and Tamil Union will contest the title in the final. Tamil Union reached the final by defeating Colombo Cricket Club in the first semi-final, while SSC joined them after beating NCC. The final between the two sides is scheduled for the 16th.
SSC – 196/4 (20 overs) – Kusal Mendis 50, Nuwanidu Fernando 50, Avishka Fernando 36, Vishad Randika 35, Nipuna Dhananjaya not out 14, Chamika Karunaratne 51/2, Kavindu Pathiratne 41/1, Ramiru Perera 9/1
NCC – 150 (19 overs) – Kavin Bandara 41, Niroshan Dickwella 38, Yenula Dewthusa 23, Sahan Arachchige 21, Malsha Fernando 22/3, Kavindu Nadeeshan 25/3, Nuwanidu Fernando 23/1
Based on Sri Lanka Cricket reporting