By BV Swagath
Wayamba United defeated Uva Next by 20 runs at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. It was a low-scoring contest with Wayamba United prevailing despite putting up a modest total of 147.
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, Wayamba United was reduced to 44 for 4 by the 6th over. With none of the batsman coming good, the Mahela Jayawardene led team settled for a total of 147 for 9. For the record, Wicket Keeper and Opener Kamran Akmal top scored in the innings with a 32-ball 36. For Uva Next, Jacob Oram bowled on a tight leash with incredible figures of 4-1-6-3!
Uva Next seemed to be on track chasing 148 from 20 Overs. At one stage they were nicely placed at 54 for 3 in the 8th over but a flurry of wickets pegged them back. Eventually they were bundled out in 18.1 overs itself for a total of 127. Jacob Oram, who bowled magnificently, played a cameo of 26 (from 19 balls) which went in vain for the Uva Next.
Chathuranga Kumara, the 20-year-old medium pacer of Wayamba United was the Player of the Match for his 3 for 33 in 4 overs.
