Sri Lanka Legends edge South Africa in a thriller-by Dhammika Ratnaweera
Source:Dailynews
Sri Lanka Legends made a superb team effort to beat South Africa Legends by 11 runs in their Road Safety World Series cricket match played at Indore in India yesterday.
It was a very thrilling game until the very last over which was bowled by all-rounder Ishan Jayaratne.
Sri Lanka Legends led by T.M. Dilshan well depended on 166 total to seal their third back-to-back victory. SA Legends managed to get 154 for 6 wickets in the allotted 20 overs with 11 runs behind.
South African Morné van Wyk was the successful stroke-maker scoring 76 in 56 balls with 4 fours and 6 sixes to build up the innings but his efforts were not enough to seal the deal for the Proteas.
After being early dismissed by skipper T.M. Dilshan in the second over of the Sri Lanka innings, Sri Lanka Legends made a good come back with Dilshan Munaweera and Upul Tharanga putting a superb 60-run partnership for the second wicket. Munaweera made 26 in 24 balls with 4 fours while experienced Tharanga added 36 in 27 balls with 7 fours but was unfortunately run out.
The all-rounder Jeewan Mendis top-scored with an unbeaten brisk knock of 43 in 27 balls and hit 5 fours and 2 sixes helping his team past the 150 runs mark. This was a physiological advantage for Sri Lankan Legends.
Sri Lankan bowlers were very strong while experienced paceman Nuwan Kulasekara was leading the way with 2 for 33 while Isuru Udana, Skipper Dilshsn, and Jeewan Mendis took a wicket apiece. Mendis also won the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka already won against Australia, England, and South Africa maintaining an unbeaten streak as they currently hold the top position with 6 points.
Chief scores:
Sri Lanka Legends: 165 for 6 wickets in 20 overs (Upul Tharanga 36, Chamara Silva 18, Jeewan Mendis 43*, Asela Gunaratne 25, Garnett Kruger 2/43)
South Africa Legends: 154 for 6 wickets in 20 overs (Morné van Wyk 76, Alviro Peterson 22, Vernon Philander 13, Nuwan Kulasekara 2/33, T.M. Dilshan 1/24, Isuru Udana 1/20, Jeewan Mendis 1/18)
