Major Club T20 Semi Final Panadura SC knock out defending champs NCC

By M. Shamil Amit

Panadura SC knocked out defending champions NCC when they recorded a 48-run win on the DLS method in the rain affected semi-final of the Major Club T20 cricket tournament at the CCC ground yesterday.

Opener Vishen Halambage was the hero of Panadura SC as he cracked a brisk 55 in only 26 balls that included five boundaries and four sixes. He was supported by Nimesh Vimukthi who made 43 in 36 balls inclusive of three boundaries and two sixes which laid the foundation for their win.

Panadura SC taking first lease of the wicket after skipper Dushan Hemantha winning the toss saw openers Vishen Helambage and Eranga Jayakodige giving them a sedate start of 44 runs made in 31 balls.

They lost three quick wickets for the addition of 36 before two valuable partnerships - 40 for the fifth wicket between skipper Dushan Hemantha and Nimesh Vimukthi and another stand of 38 for the sixth wicket with Vishwa Lahiru - helped them to make a challenging score of 165.

NCC in their run chase lost two wickets with the score on 23 in the third over and from there on they never recovered as they lost wickets at regular intervals and were struggling on 74 for seven in the 13th over before rain put a stoppage to proceedings which ensured a win for Panadura SC by 48 runs on the DLS method to advance to the final.

Chief scores:
At CCC – Panadura SC won by 48 runs on DLS
Panadura SC 165/7 in 20 overs (Vishen Halambage 55, Nimesh Vimukthi 48)
NCC 74/7 in 13 overs (Vishwa Lahiru 3/14)