Kandy secure top spot while Dambulla record first win

Kandy have consolidated their position in the points table with a thrilling six wicket win over Colombo in the ongoing National Super League encounter at Pallekele yesterday.

Set a target of 272, Kandy chased down the target with six wickets in hand and seven deliveries to spare. Oshada Fernando, who has been in good form in the competition was the hero for Kandy with an unbeaten 85. Sahan Arachchige made 64 as the pair shared a crucial 128 run stand for the fourth wicket.

Earlier, Nuwanidu Fernando completed back to back hundreds as Colombo elected to bat first. Unlike his hundred earlier this week, his century yesterday was a cautious one as Fernando required 133 deliveries for his 112. Leg-spinner Pulina Tharanga and seamer Asitha Fernando took three wickets apiece.

Dambulla, meanwhile, won their first encounter in the competition with a five wicket win over Galle at Damublla yesterday. Having bowled out Galle for 125 inside 34 overs, Dambulla reached the target with five wickets and more than 25 overs to spare.

Left-arm spinner Duvindu Tillekeratne was the hero for Dambulla as he picked up four wickets for 21 runs.

Brief Scores:

Kandy beat Colombo by six wickets

Colombo

271 all out 49.3 overs

(Nuwanidu Fernando 112, Sammu Ashan 62, Asitha Fernando 3/41, Pulina Tharanga 3/66)

Kandy

272 for four in 48.5 overs

(Oshada Fernando 85*, Sahan Arachchige 64, Lahiru Madushanka 2/34)

Dambulla beat Galle by five wickets

Galle

125 all out in 33.4 overs

(Himasha Liyanage 29, Duvindu Tillekeratne 4/21, Ashan Priyanjan 2/10)

Dambulla

126 for five in 24.5 overs

(Ashan Priyanjan 31, Dushan Hemantha 28*)