The Invitational International ‘Mora Sixes’ 2018 organized by the cricket team of University of Moratuwa in collaboration with the Physical Education Division of the University for the 4th consecutive year, was worked off at the BRC grounds on the 29th and 30th of March 2018, with the participation of numerous local universities and the PES University from Bangalore, India.
Revised tournament rules saw the whole tournament being worked off with just 4 balls per over compared to the usual six deliveries which meant each team had 20 balls per innings.
The group stage was dominated by Moratuwa University, Colombo University, Wayamba University and Saegis Campus as they reached the knockout stage unbeaten.
Moratuwa University were hardly troubled in the first semifinal as they put up a more than decent 63/0 before restricting Wayama to 42/3. Vihanga Kalhara was brilliant with the bat making an unbeaten 35* before bowling an impressive over to restrict the opponents.
The second semifinal was a keenly fought encounter as two of the more fancied teams battled it out before Saegis Campus eventually prevailed by 16 runs. Former Peterite Shehan Fernando who was brilliant to watch right throughout the tournament smashed his way to 35 before a mini collapse restricted his team to 51/3.
Colombo Campus got off to a good start but Saegis bowlers pulled things back brilliantly to record a 16 run win with Roscoe Thattil and Dasun Senevirathne picking up two wickets apiece.
Defending champions and hosts of the tournament Moratuwa University put up a daunting 58/3 in the final thanks to a stunning 47* not out by their skipper Osura Mahadinwewa and they looked to be in control at the half way stage.
It continued to be a tale of the captains in the final as Saegis skipper and man of the tournament Shehan Fernando blasted his way to 41 runs, but with two needed to win of the final delivery Fernando was run out looking to get back for a second run as the match continued into a super over after the scores being tied.
Fernando wasn’t done yet as he helped Saegis to 15 runs off 4 balls in the super over, before Chathuranga Kumara was hit for two sixes in reply but managed to hold his never to secure a dramatic two run win for Saegis Campus and guide them to the title in their first appearance.
*Semifinal 1 (Moratuwa won by 21 runs)Moratuwa University – 63/0 (5 overs) Vihanga Kalhara 35*, Dinith Thiranjaya 20*VsWayamba University – 42/3 (5 overs) Wageesha 31, Hirusha Balapitiya 1/07
*Semifinal 2 (Saegis won by 16 runs)Saegis Campus – 51/3 (5 overs) Shehan Fernando 35, Jeevan 1/05VsColombo University – 35/4 (5 overs) Chathuranga Sendanayake 18, Roscoe Thattil 2/04, Dasun Senevirathne 2/08
*Final (Match tied- Saegis won super over by 2 runs)Moratuwa University – 58/3 (5 overs) Osura Mahadinwewa 47*VsSaegis Campus – 58/1 (5 overs) Shehan Fernando 41, Roscoe Thattil 16*
