Thilan and Rumesh put Wayamba in spotlight

by Chris DHAMBARAGE

CRICKET: Two splendid half centuries from openers Thilan Samaraweera and Rumesh Buddhika spearheaded Wayamba Province to a convincing seven wicket victory over Ruhuna Province in their SLC Inter Provincial Twenty20 cricket tournament match worked off at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

The pair figured in a century opening partnership from 12 overs as Wayamba Province successfully chased their opponent's total of 150 for 7 with more than two overs to spare. Samaraweera was in an aggressive mood as he hoisted three sixes and struck four boundaries during his 39 ball knock of 57. Promising batsman Rumesh Buddhika was equally brilliant as he raced to a 36 ball 57 with four boundaries and four sixes.

Earlier Ruhuna Province batting first after winning the toss put up a competitive score of 150 for 7 from their 20 overs. In form batsman Dinesh Chandimal played the sheet anchor role while completing his second successive half century in the tournament.

The dynamic wicket keeper batsman continued from where he left on the previous day by hammering an unbeaten 88 from just 57 deliveries inclusive of two sixes and nine boundaries.

Ruhuna Province: 150 for 7 in 20 overs (D. Chandimal 88 n.o, M. Bandara 2 for 25, K. Lokuarachchi 2 for 13) Wayamba Province: 151 for 3 in 17.2 overs (T. Samaraweera 57, R. Buddhika 57).