Nagas win by five runs on Duckworth and Lewis system
by Dilanka MANNAKKARA
The first game of the inaugural SLPL 2012 started off with the Ruhuna
Royals taking on the Neganahira Nagas at R. Premadasa grounds under
rainy conditions, a sluggish outfield and more importantly a paltry
crowd. The Nagas won the game by five runs according to the Duckworth
and Lewis system after rain interrupted play at the end of the 12th
over. The Nagas chasing a paltry score of 134, were 77 for the loss of
two wickets after 12 overs with Travis Birt unbeaten on 33. Opener Udara
Jayasundara showed plenty of intent and hit some lusty blows to get 25
of 26 and his partnership with Birt ensured that Nagas were on course to
victory after Ahmed Shezad fell for a duck.
The Royals who won the toss opted to bat first and they were very
slow to start with and defensive batting, showing less intent and some
good bowling by the Nagas ensured that Ruhuna were all out for just 134
runs in their allotted 20 overs. Ruhuna who do not have the luxury of
having aggressive local batsmen in their side opted to open with Sri
Lankan test wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardena who is a middle order
player himself and he looked very rusty at the beginning.
Australian T-20 specialist Aaron Finch who opened aside Prasanna put
on just 15 before Finch was bowled for 14 of Ajantha Mendis. Prasanna
Jayawardena who finally began to connect a few shots could not last long
as he was trapped LBW of Kanishka Elvitigala for 15 runs.
The Royals were in trouble at 57 for three before 'Boom Boom' Shahid
Afridi provided some impetus to the innings with some lusty blows, but
was run out for a quick fire 18 of 12 balls. Lahiru Thirimanne was the
sole batsman who tried to steady the ship, not taking many risks,
pinching the singles, but he holed out to T.M. Sampath of Ajantha Mendis.
Mendis who was in action after a long lay off due to injury didn’t look
all that threatening and was fairly inconsistent with his line and
length.
Shaminda Eranga of Nagas bowled a brilliant spell, combined with a
mixture of good length balls, slower balls and yorkers and ended up with
3 wickets for 15 runs of his 4 overs. His opening bowling partner the
tall Kanishka Elvitigala looked impressive and ended up with one wicket
for 17 runs of 4 overs.
Ruhuna Royals: 134 all out in 20 overs (L. Thirimanne 34, S.
Afridi 18; S. Eranga 3 for 15, A. Mendis 3 for 34).
Neganahira Nagas: 77 for 2 (T. Birt 33*,U. Jayasundara 25;
Malinga 1 for 4 runs). |
