The curtains of the 5th Murali Harmony Cup T20 cricket tournament will come today with Mahinda and Nalanda qualifying to clash in the final by securing wins against Seenigama Combined Schools and St Joseph’s in the two semi-finals that were played at the IODR ground in Oddusuddan Mullativu yesterday. In the first semi-final played in [...]

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Mahinda and Nalanda qualify for final showdown

5th Murali Harmony Cup
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Man of the match Nimesh Mendis of Seenigama Combined Schools.

The curtains of the 5th Murali Harmony Cup T20 cricket tournament will come today with Mahinda and Nalanda qualifying to clash in the final by securing wins against Seenigama Combined Schools and St Joseph’s in the two semi-finals that were played at the IODR ground in Oddusuddan Mullativu yesterday.

In the first semi-final played in the morning session saw Mahinda Skipper Ravindu Welihinda winning the toss and electing to take first lease of the wicket losing wickets at regular intervals and was in a bad position of 64 for 5 in the ninth over.

They rescued thanks to a 30 runs stand for the sixth wicket between K.K. Kaveen and Kavindu Ediriweera who made a top score of 41 in 36 balls that included three boundaries and two six which helped them to end with a modest score of 139.

Seenigama Combined Schools in their run chase underwent an early setback losing their first wicket in the first over. Kaveesh Dilranga and Nimesh Mendis put on a valuable 55 runs partnership for the third wicket and they well set with the score on 82 for 3 in the 12th over.

But a rush of blood by the late order batting saw them losing wickets at regularly putting themselves under pressure. From a healthy position of 82 for 3 they collapsed to 124 for 7 in the 19th over before being restricted to a score of 132 to give Mahinda a seven run win.

In the second semi-final St Joseph’s skipper Harin Cooray won the toss and opted to take first lease of the wicket was given a solid start by openers Revan Kelly and Nipun Sumanasinghe who together put on 51 runs in 42 balls.

But the middle and late order batting faltered and despite an unbeaten 34 made by Pahan Perera the Josephians was able to muster a score of only 120 runs which was not going sufficient to defend.

In contrast Nalanda in their run chase lost an early wicket but recovered through a 58 runs stand for the second wicket between Dilhara Polgampola and N. Kasthuriarachchi.

But they lost quick wickets at the latter stage of the innings but managed to recover and reach the target with two balls to spare. The final is scheduled to be played today in Kilinochchi from 1.40 p.m. 

Nittambuwa and Matale Ladies enter final

Defending champions Nittambuwa Ladies and Matale Ladies advanced to the final of the Women’s Murali Harmony Cup when they coasted to an easy wins over North/East Combined Ladies and Moneragala Ladies Academy in their last preliminary round match played at Mankulam MV ground yesterday.

The wins saw the two teams come out as leaders of the two groups which ensured them the final clash.

In the Group A match played in the morning session between Nittambuwa Ladies and  North/East Combined Ladies saw the latter taking first lease of the wicket being bundled out for a meager score of just 54 runs.

Nittambuwa Ladies in pursuit of 55 runs was guided by an unbeaten knock of 23 by Sachini Dilshani which helped them to reach the target in just 5.4 overs.

In the Group B match played later in the day between Matale Ladies and Moneragala Ladies Academy saw Matale Ladies cruise through to a comfortable 56 runs win over Moneragala Ladies Academy which was played at the same venue.

The two finalists of the Women’s Murali Harmony Cup are decided by the top team coming out from the two groups. The final is scheduled to be played today at 9.30 a.m. which will be a 20 over game.

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