Two vital SLPL games today

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE in Palekelle

CRICKET: Wayamba United who are shaping up nicely under the clever leadership of Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayewardene will play Basnaira Dundees in the first game and Uthura Rudras will play Uva Next in the second game in the ongoing SLPL tourney at the Palekelle Stadium, here today.

Wayamba United have played two winning both and are placed second I the points table. Basnahira have played three winning one and are fourth.

The two teams pack some exciting cricketers and a game with no quarter asked or given is on the cards. In their previous game againstUva, it was the excellent leadership by Jayawardene and the great fielding, especially the catching of Dinesh Chandimal that brought them victory. In the game against Basnahira, Kamran Akmal, Milinda Siriwardena and Kaushalaya Weerarate were among the runs.

Jayawardene started off well and when looking set for a big score received a nasty in dipper from Jacob Oram and was owed off a thin inside edge.Opener Tamin Iqbal and Umar Akmal must also strike form and help the side. Both are two entertainers and it is hoped that they will strike. Chaturanga Kumara will be looking to continue his good bowling form.Basnahira who lost to Nagenahira Nagas will be all out to avenge that defeat.

In Tillekeratne Dilshan they have a batsman who if he gets going can help them to a match winning score. Others to watch are Dimuth Karunaratne, Cameron Borgas and Jeewan Mendis. Rangna Herath and Mendis will have to get among the wickets.Uthra Rudras have played two losing both and are last in the points table. Uva have played two losing one and are fifth. The Rudras players to watch are Muttiah Muralitheran who is fighting for form, Imaran Farhat, Chamara Kapugedera and Farveez Mahroof.

In the Uva side players who should make an impression are- Shiv Chanderpaul, Dilhara Fenando, Dilshan Muaweera, Thilina Kandamby, Seekkuge Prasanna, Shoaib Malik, Upul Tharanga and Umar Gul.