Unichela take on Janashakthi in final

MAS Intimate Unichela, Panadura has shown its cricketing prowess yet again powering its way into the Finals of the Mercantile "A" Division Championships.

Incidentally this is Unichela's second successive mercantile final, following up on the triumph in clinching the B division title last year.

The team led by former Peterite skipper Malin Silva boasts of a star studded line up, is easily one of the most well rounded teams going around. The impressive line up consists of eight Sri Lanka caps & several up & coming youth players in the mix.

The opening batting slot is handled by none other than the world acclaimed, ICC T20 player of the year T.M. Dilshan who is joined by the flamboyant Mahela Udawatte. Together they pose a nerve jittering prospect to any bowling attack with their destructive stroke play.

The domination of the duo has been instrumental in getting Unichela into the Finals with Udawatte making a dashing 145 vs John Keells in the quarter final & Dilshan following it up with a breathtaking 100 in the Semi Final against Seylan Bank.

In addition to the intimidating opening pair, Unichela calls on batsmen in the calibre of Malinda Warnapura to add stability to the top of the order. He is ably supported by up and coming youth batsmen Amila Sandaruwan, Nadeera Nawala and Shalika Karunanayake who have been consistent throughout the tournament. The batting order also boasts of Sri Lanka's premier wicket-keeper batsman Prasanna Jayawardena who has also been in terrific form behind the sticks.

The allrounder's berths have been filled in by Gayan Wijekoon and Farveez Maharoof both players of international repute who have done a steady job with both bat & ball. Left hander Wijekoon has been particularly impressive, notching up one century on route to an aggregate of 170 runs in addition to his tally of 12 wickets for the season with his left arm seamers.

On the bowling front it has been left arm leggie Dunil Abeydeera who has been doing the majority of the damage claiming 14 wickets thus far. He has been ably supported by right arm leggie Malinga Bandara who has been instrumental in keeping a check on the scoring rate during the crucial middle overs.

The team overall has been impressive in the build up to the Finals and indications are that they are favourites to roll over opponents Janashakthi, given that they play to their potential. "Janashakthi has a balanced side and will definitely pose a challenge. We lost our league game to them last year, so we will definitely not be taking them lightly. However with the return of the top players into our ranks and with the momentum we have gained over the past few games, I am confident we can pull this through", said Malin Silva the skipper of the Unichela team.

The Mercantile "A" Division Finals between Janashakthi and Unichela will be worked off at the P. Sara Oval today (7) commencing 9 am.