SSC clinch close six-run win on D/L

SSC underwent some anxious moments in their Major Club limited over tournament match against Nugegoda S&WC before clinching a close six-run win on D/L method. Chasing a modest total, Nugegoda S&WC were 125 for 7 in 37 overs when bad light stopped play at the SSC ground.

However, the return of Danushka Gunatileke in to competitive cricket did not make any difference as SSC was made to struggle for their runs after taking first lease of the wicket.

Gunathilaka made a much-anticipated return to domestic cricket after his club SSC lifted the ban on him. He was sidelined for over an year as he was battling a court case over alleged rape in Australia.

At one stage SSC were struggling on 50 for 6 in the 20th over before Nuwanindu Fernando and Nisala Tharaka rescued them with valuable 65 run stand for the ninth wicket to reach 152 runs.

Nugegoda S&WC in their run chase too almost underwent the same fate as they lost their top five wickets with the score on 34 in the 12th over before Kevin Perera and Ranitha Liyanarachchi shared 79 runs for the sixth wicket. They were on 125 for 7 having faced 37 overs when play was stopped which ensured a six-run win on D/L for SSC. The target at stoppage was 132.

The win was SSC’s fifth of the tournament while Sebastianites CC pulled off a well deserved five-wicket win over Tamil Union at P Sara Stadium to take the top spot in Group ‘A’.

In the other matches played saw Colts CC along with Ragama CC, NCC, Moors SC, Chilaw Marians CC, Badureliya SC and Panadura SC winning their matches.