Super T20: Kandy Crusaders record first win

A solid knock of 54 from opener Minod Bhanuka and a good allround performance from Saliya Saman helped Kandy Crusaders record their first victory of the SLC Super Twenty20 Championship, beating Kurunegala Warriors by 5 wickets at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Monday (1).

Electing to bat first Warriors posted 154-9 with opener Shehan Fernando smashing 56 off 35 deliveries inclusive of two fours and four sixes. 

He was well supported by opener Upul Tharanga, who made 25 off 19 balls, but the Warriors were troubled later on by Saman and spinner Akila Dananjaya, who claimed three wickets each.

Dilhara Fernando, Prishan Hewage and Jeevan Mendis picked a wicket each. 

Opener Bhanuka faced 37 balls for his knock of 54, which had four boundaries and three sixes. 

Opener Danushka Gunathilaka hit a 11-ball 25 with a four and two sixes as Saman came in later in the batting order to hit an unbeaten 25 off 19 deliveries with three fours and a six to help Crusaders win their first game of the competition. 

Kurunegala Warriors 154 for 9 wickets (20) (Shehan Fernando 56, Upul Tharanga 25, Rumesh Buddhika 20, Chathuranga de Silva 18, Saliya Saman 3/25, Akila Dananjaya 3/35)

Kandy Crusaders 156 for 5 wickets (17.3) (Danushka GUnathilaka 25, Minod Bhanuka 54, Lahiru Thirimanne 16, Jeevan Mendis 13n.o, Saliya Saman 25n.o, Chathuranga de Silva 2/11)