Sadisha excels as Royal clinch Mustangs Trophy

Sadisha Rajapaksha scored an unbeaten half century to lead Royal to eight wickets victory over arch rivals S. Thomas’ in the Mustangs Trophy Limited Overs Big Match played at the SSC on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 191 runs to win, Royal top order clicked together to romp to a comfortable eight wicket victory. Sri Lanka Under 19 player Rajapaksha scored an unbeaten 69 runs inclusive of four fours to seal the victory with seven overs to spare. He faced 77 balls.

After openers Ovina Abanpola and Sineth Jayawardena added 53 runs for the first wicket, the former was joined by Rajapaksha to make a second wicket stand of 72 runs.

While both openers scored 30s, Uvindu Weerasekara added an unbroken stand of 66 runs for the third wicket with Rajapaksha. Weerasekara remained not out on 35 runs

Batting first the Thomians struggled for runs after the top order was rattled for a low score. They were five wickets down for 76 runs at one stage before Muizz Naushan and Mahith Perera added a vital sixth wicket stand worth 80 runs. Both scored half centuries with Naushan scoring 50 runs (in 83 balls, 2x4s) and Perera remaining unbeaten on 52 (in 70 balls, 1×4).

However, their eventual total proved inadequate to pose a threat to Royal.