The final showdown

Last year's runner up Moors and SSC will clash in the final of the Rupavahini Premier limited over cricket tournament at SSC grounds in Maitland Place today. The two sides were noteworthy teams to advance to the finals as they overcame more fancied teams in booking their berth for the final showdown. Moors will be led by Dilhara Lokuhettige and SSC will be led by Avishka Gunawardena – both national caps and dashing bats. The two teams will be fielding their full side including Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardena who has played only one match and Chanaka Welagedera who has played only three of the ten matches in the run up to the final.

When the two teams met each other in the round robin encounter Moors came out victorious by two wickets which was played at the same venue. So it’s not going to be an easy task for SSC though its their home ground. They will come into the game with the intention taking revenge for that defeat. But Moors have not been an easy nut to crack since they settle down in the latter part of the tournament. Moors have players in the calibre of Anil Ridigammanagedera who has been their most prolific scorer for the last two seasons. Even this time out he has been their top scorer making 262 runs from the ten matches he has played.

Then they have Ruvin Peiris, skipper Dilhara Lokuhettige, Nadeera Nawela and Dhammika Sudhrashana to keep the scoreboard moving. The bowling will revolve around left arm spinner Rangana Herath who has been their top wicket taker with 19 wickets, Laknath Perera, Anil Ridgammanagedera and Nandika Ranjith. They will also be strengthened with the come back of Chanaka Welagedera who is expected to play in this crucial game.

SSC on the other hand will also be boosted with the inclusion of Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardena who though he has played only one match so far is expected to play in the final today. Skipper Avishka Gunawardena and Tharanga Paranavithana who are the openers have been their mainstay right through the season. The duo has been associated in match winning stands for the team in the latter part of the tournament.

They began in an inauspicious manner but took control of the situation with some resounding wins in the latter part of the tournament. Apart from the two openers mentioned they have up and coming star Kaushal Silva, Thilina Kandamby and Nuwan Zoysa whose from recently has shone both with bat and ball. The bowling will be spearheaded by Nuwan Zoysa, Dhammika Prasad and Thilina Mirando with support coming from spinners Sachitra Senanayake and Shalika Karunanayake..

Moors - Dilahara Lokuhettige (Capt), Rangana Herath, Ruvin Peiris, Nadeera Nawela, Anil Ridigammanagedera, Dasun Randika, Suresh Perera, Dhammika Sudharshana, Chanaka Welagedera, Bhatiya Perera, Hemantha Boteju, Chamikara Mudalige, Nandika Ranjith. SSC - Avishka Gunawardena (Capt), Tharanga Paranavithana, Mahela Jayawardena, Thilina Kandamby, Kaushal Silva, Nuwan Zoysa, Thilina Mirando, Thilan Samaraweera, Janudhika Sriyapala, Shalika Karunanayake, Sachitra Senanayake, Dhammika Prasad.