SSC begin life in Tier B with thumping win

SLC Tier ‘B’ T20 Tournament

Monday, 19 May 2025 01:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SSC openers Shevon Daniel and Krishan Sanjula see their team home against Navy SC

Malay CC’s Buddhika Hasaranga top-scored with 61

Avindu Theekshana, a career best 4/8 for Kandy Customs SC

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

The Singhalese Sports Club (SSC), one of the leading cricket clubs in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit, commenced their new life in Tier B with a thumping 10-wicket win against Navy SC at Colts Ground in the opening weekend of the SLC Tier ‘B’ T20 Tournament.

SSC were one of four clubs that were relegated to play in Tier B this season after they ended bottom of their group in the SLC Major League Tournament last year.

With all the SSC players showing their loyalty to the club by sticking to it despite having to compete in a lower division, they proved too strong for Navy SC, who were bundled out for 85 in 19.3 overs and lost by 10 wickets.

Spinners Prabath Jayasuriya (3/13), Malsha Fernando (3/15), and Kavindu Nadeeshan (2/14) did the damage to the Sailors’ batting.

SSC, who are led by national cricketer Avishka Fernando, then cruised to their target in 5.4 overs, with Shevon Daniel (56* off 18 balls, 8 fours, 3 sixes) and wicket-keeper/bat Krishan Sanjula (27* off 17 balls) taking them home with plenty to spare.

Ragama CC, another club that suffered the indignity of being demoted to Tier B, also began well with a seven-wicket win (DLS method) against Army SC at Colts Ground.

Left-arm seamers Binura Fernando (2/15) and Nilanka Premarathna (2/25) helped Ragama CC dismiss Army SC for 125. The innings featured three run outs. Ragama CC, chasing a revised target of 107 in 16 overs, knocked off the runs in 13.5 overs with wicket-keeper/bat Sameen Kandanarachchi contributing an undefeated 42 off 29 balls (5 fours, 1 six).

Malay CC was the only other club to beat the rain and win, defeating Sebastianites by 21 runs (DLS method) at SSC grounds.

Batting first, Malay CC posted a commanding total of 195-5, where Buddhika Hasaranga (61 off 44 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) and Kevin Samuel (38 off 24) were the principal scorers. The Sebastianites’ run chase was interrupted by rain with their score on 97-4 in 12.5 overs that saw them short by 21 runs under the DLS par score. Manupa Manmitha was their top scorer with 31.

Three other matches down for decision were all affected by rain and ended in a no-result. At Surrey Village grounds, Maggona, United Southern SC scored 115-9 (Thamindu Pradeeptha 31, Sahas Hansala 36) with left-arm spinner Avindu Theekshana taking a career best 4/8. Rain prevented Kandy Customs SC from batting.

At the same venue, Leo CC made 55-3 in five overs against Moratuwa SC, while at SSC grounds, Negombo CC scored 70-6 off 12.1 overs against Galle CC.

12 teams are competing in the tournament in two groups. Group A comprises Malay CC, SSC, Negombo CC, Sebastianites, Galle CC, and Navy SC. Group B comprises Army SC, Leo CC, Kandy Customs SC, Ragama CC, United Southern SC, and Moratuwa SC.

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