Ramanayake and Chandimal star in Colombo Reds win

SLC Reds are back in the hunt having won two games in a row after a disappointing start in the SLC Invitational T-20 League as they defeated SLC Blues at Pallekele yesterday. The hero for Reds was Himesha Ramanayake, who shared the new ball with his Royal College colleague Chamika Karunaratne. The two quicks shared six wickets between them with Himesha finishing with four for 31 in his four overs. Karunaratne claimed two for 37.

Himesha is the younger son of former fast bowler Champaka Ramanayake. The 23-year-old is highly rated.

Their efforts enabled SLC Reds to restrict SLC Blues to 146 for seven.

All-rounder Dhananjaya Lakshan opened the batting and top scored with 55 runs that came off 47 balls with six fours. Lahiru Samarakoon finished with 35 off 21 balls with four fours and one six.

With the bowlers having done an excellent job, the batsmen did not have to take any undue risks and they cruised to a six wicket win with one over to spare.

After Avishka Fernando fell for nine runs, skipper Chandimal and Oshada Fernando shared 54 runs for the second wicket to steady the innings.

Chandimal, who was axed from the Test side early this year and then was overlooked for white ball cricket, made it count top scoring with 59 runs. He faced 44 balls and hit six boundaries. With the need for the presence of some senior players felt in the white ball teams, Chandimal’s match winning knocks could turn out to be timely. The national selection panel will be sitting down soon to pick the limited over squads for the series against South Africa.

When Chandimal was dismissed, Reds needed 31 runs from 27 balls. Asela Gunaratne (23) and Karunaratne (16) then were involved in an unbroken stand to seal a much needed win for their side to remain in the competition.

Brief Scores:

SLC Blues 146 for seven in 20 overs (Dhananjaya Lakshan 55, Nishan Madushka 25, Lahiru Samarakoon 35, Himesh Ramanayake 4/31, Chamika Karunaratne 2/37)

SLC Reds 148 for four in 19 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 59, Oshada Fernando 27, Asela Gunaratne 23 not out)