SLC Reds end winless streak with ten wicket triumph

After a disappointing start in the SLC Invitational T20 League, team Reds finally got their act together with a comprehensive ten wicket win over SLC Greens at Pallekele yesterday.

Having lost both their encounters last week, Reds were under the pump and wanted their batting to click.

Chasing a target of 144, skipper Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando posted half-centuries to ensure a comfortable win with 15 balls to spare. Chandimal posted 51 while Fernando smashed 82 off 58 balls with four fours and six sixes.

Greens were unlucky to lose two games last week in the last over but their bowling let them down yesterday. They had posted a decent 144 for seven but the bowlers failed to make early breakthroughs despite the presence of Lahiru Kumara.

Kamindu Mendis, who had posted back to back half-centuries last week, was the mainstay of Green’s batting yet again top scoring with 66 runs and sending down his four overs for just 30 runs.

The ambidextrous Mendis had been earmarked as a future prospect sometime back but has got little exposure at the top level in recent times. However, his performances in this competition is sure to earn him a slot for the home series against South Africa that will get underway next month.

Chamika Karunaratne, who made his first appearance for the Reds yesterday was on the money finishing with three for 26.

Brief Scores:

SLC Greens

143 for seven in 20 overs (Kamindu Mendis 66, Sammu Ashan 29, Chamika Karunaratne 3/26, Seekkuge Prasanna 2/20)

SLC Reds

144 for one wicket in 17.3 overs (Avishka Fernando 82 not out, Dinesh Chandimal 51)