Malay’s moment of glory in David vs Goliath duel
Cricket minnows Malay Cricket Club pulled off a giant-killing act by toppling tournament favourites Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) to lift the Sri Lanka Cricket Tier ‘B’ Twenty20 title for the second year running in a thrilling finale played at the Colts ground earlier this week.
Buddhika Hasaranga celebrates the win
It was a classic David versus Goliath battle as the unfancied Malays outfit, made up mostly of Under-25 players from lesser-known schools, outclassed the elite SSC team packed with no less than seven national stars, including current Sri Lanka white-ball skipper Charith Asalanka and former captain Dasun Shanaka.
SSC, known for their star power and cricketing pedigree, were left shell-shocked as they crumbled for a modest 100 runs in 19.4 overs. The SSC innings never got off the ground, losing wickets like a house of cards, with only captain and Sri Lanka opener Avishka Fernando putting up a fight, scoring 37 off 35 balls.
Malays’ bowling unit, without any big names but high on team spirit and discipline, rose to the occasion. Thimira Malshan was the chief destroyer, grabbing 3 for 21, while Kavinda Ishwara and Chanaka Devinda chipped in with two wickets apiece, tightening the screws on the much-fancied SSC line-up.
“We knew we were the underdogs, but the boys showed heart and hunger,” said an elated Malay CC coach Wadipa Perera, who has been patiently building the side for over eight years despite having no proper turf wicket for practice.
“It was all about fitness, fielding, and never-say-die attitude.”
Chasing a tricky target under pressure, Malays made sure they didn’t throw away the opportunity. Opener Kavinda Ishwara led the charge with a quick-fire 26 off 18 balls, while Buddhika Hasaranga calmly guided the side home with an unbeaten 25 off 30 balls.
Malays crossed the finish line at 101-4 in 18.2 overs, sealing the match with 10 balls to spare and triggering wild celebrations as the underdogs had once again turned the tables on the big guns.
Thimira Malshan celebrates Krishan Sanjula_s Wicket
“The lads are over the moon,” said Malays’ strength and conditioning coach Vimukthi de Zoysa. “Modern T20 cricket is a young man’s game. Our fitness and unity were second to none.”
The win was even sweeter as Malays remained unbeaten throughout the tournament — stretching their winning run to 15 matches over the two seasons. Ironically, the title-winning team didn’t have any leading run-scorers or top wicket-takers in the tournament. It was a perfect example of a team punching above its weight and proving that cricket is still a game of glorious uncertainties.
In the individual awards, Avishka Fernando (SSC) was named Player of the Tournament, Amitha Kaushalya (Galle CC) claimed Best Bowler, while Denuwan Rajakaruna (United Southern SC) bagged Best Batsman honours. Malays’ hero Kavinda Ishwara was rightly crowned Player of the Final for his all-round effort.
At the end of the day, it was a true underdog story — a small club with a big heart, delivering a knockout blow to one of Colombo’s cricketing heavyweights.
“We played as one unit and as a family,” said captain Sudhara Dakshina.
“It’s not about star names, it’s about passion and pride for the club.”
And so, in a match where Malays punched above their weight, cricket proved once again that it’s a game where reputations count for nothing if you don’t deliver on the field.
Player of the Final - Kavinda Ishwara