Defending champions NCC, CCC advance to semi-finals

Thursday, 12 June 2025 02:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s 30-ball 62 proved in vain as NCC beat Tamil Union

Nishan Madushka and Lasith Croospulle during their 67-run opening stand for CCC

Rain follows SLC Major Clubs T20 tournament

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Defending champions NCC and CCC won their quarter-final matches of the SLC Major Clubs T20 tournament to advance into the semi-finals yesterday.

Both matches were affected by rain and the result was decided on the DLS method.

NCC beat Tamil Union by 8 wickets at the CCC grounds, while CCC beat BRC by 17 runs at the P. Sara Oval.

Powered by Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s knock of 62 off 30 balls (5 fours, 5 sixes), Tamil Union reached 167-6. With rain interfering during the afternoon, NCC were left to chase a revised target of 55 off 5 overs. They got there in 4 to win by eight wickets.

In a similar situation, CCC batting first scored 179-6 building on an opening partnership of 67 off 38 balls between Nishan Madushka (79 off 50 balls, 3 fours, 5 sixes) and Lasith Croospulle (35 off 24). Left-arm spinner Chamika Heenatigala struck in the middle overs to end with 3/22.

BRC were left to chase 57 off 5 overs following an interruption for rain. But they failed miserably managing only 39-5 as Sri Lanka seamers Nuwan Thushara (2/13) and Isuru Udana (3/15) made early inroads into their batting.

Today the third and fourth quarter-final matches will take place – Bloomfield v Moors SC at P. Sara Oval, and Colts v Panadura SC at CCC grounds.

Quarter-finals

At CCC grounds: NCC beat Tamil Union by 8 wickets (DLS method)

Tamil Union 167-6 (20) (Bhanuka Rajapaksa 62, Vihas Thewmika 25, Kamil Mishara 2/10, Sahan Arachchige 2/16)

NCC 55-2 (4) (Jeeewaka Sashin 24)

At P. Sara Oval: CCC beat BRC by 17 runs (DLS method)

CCC 179-6 (20) (Nishan Madushka 79, Lasith Croospulle 35, Chamika Heenatigala 3/22)

BRC 39-5 (5) (Nuwan Thushara 2/13, Isuru Udana 3/15)