Cricket: NCC thrash SSC to reach AIA LO final

NCC thrashed traditional rivals SSC by 121 runs in the semi-final match of the AIA Premier Limited Overs Cricket Tournament played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday (24).

SSC was one of the strongest sides to feature in this year’s competition as they ended up on top of the list in Group ‘B’ ahead of Bloomfield.

Unfortunately they had to suffer a humiliating defeat at the hands of NCC who recorded a comfortable 121-run win to secure the remaining berth in the final to play against Colts.

Invited to bat first NCC reached 208 before having the entire side back in the dressing room with 10 deliveries remaining and were facing a possible defeat.

Sandun Weerakkody top scored with a knock of 44 off 53 deliveries while Nimesha Gunasinghe (39), Angelo Perera (33), Jehan Mubarak (23) and Farveez Maharoof (22) chipping in with useful knocks.

Dilhara Fernando picked five wickets for SSC, who were totally undone by the left-arm spins of Chamikara Edirisinghe.

Edirisinghe bagged six wickets as SSC succumbed to a total of 87 with 23.5 overs to go.

Kasun Madushanka was the top scorer for SSC with a knock of 16 off eight deliveries.

Jehan Mubarak supported Edirisinghe with three wickets, to help NCC record a smashing win.

NCC will take on Colts in the final of the AIA Premier Limited Overs Cricket Tournament on Wednesday (30) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

NCC 208 all out (48.2) (Niroshan Dickwella 15, Sandun Weerakkody 44, NImesha Gunasinghe 39, Jehan Mubarak 23, Angelo Perera 33, Farveez Maharoof 22, Dilhara Fernando 5/30, Tharindu Ratnayake 2/43)

SSC 87 all out (26.1) (Dimuth Karunaratne 15, KAsun Madushanka 16, Chamikara Edirisinghe 6/18, Jehan Mubarak 3/20)