SLC T20 League 2025 kicked off in style at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, with Team Greens clinching a 4-wicket win over Team Blues in the tournament opener, thanks to the all-round heroics of Chamika Karunaratne.
Team Blues, having won the toss, elected to bat first and posted a competitive total of 143 runs in their 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka (28) and Kusal Perera (24) were the standout contributors with the bat, providing a solid foundation.
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However, their efforts were overshadowed by Chamika Karunaratne’s fiery bowling spell. The Team Greens’ all-rounder was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for just 17 runs, keeping Team Blues’ total in check.
Chasing 144, Team Greens faced early challenges but were guided to victory in 16.5 overs with 4 wickets in hand, thanks to a match-defining performance from Karunaratne.
After his heroics with the ball, he showcased his batting prowess, remaining unbeaten on 47 runs off 31 balls. His knock, studded with 4 fours and 2 sixes, was a perfect blend of aggression and composure, steering his team through a tense chase.
Skipper Kamindu Mendis played a crucial supporting role, contributing 36 runs off 26 balls, forming a vital partnership that sealed the win for Team Greens.
For Team Blues, Dasun Shanaka (3/17) and Akila Dananjaya (2/22) led the bowling attack, putting pressure on the Greens’ batting lineup early on. Despite their efforts, Karunaratne’s resilience and Mendis’ steady hand proved too much for the Blues to overcome.
Fans can look forward to more action as the tournament continues with the second match between Team Greys and Team Blues, scheduled for tomorrow, August 8, at the same venue.
Spectators can catch all the excitement LIVE on ThePapare 2 (Dialog TV Ch. 63), the Dialog ViU app, and ThePapare.com.
Brief Scores
Team Blues – 143 (19.4) Pathum Nissanka 28, Kusal Perera 24, Chamika Karunaratne 3/17, Dushmantha Chameera 2/28, Traveen Mathew 2/34, Nuwan Thushara 2/36
Team Greens – 144/6 (16.5) Chamika Karunaratne 47*, Kamindu Mendis 36, Dasun Shanaka 3/17, Akila Dananjaya 2/22
Result – Team Greens won by 4 wickets
