Team Greys clinched a commanding 6-wicket victory over Team Blues in the fifth match of the SLC T20 League 2025, securing their place in the tournament final.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Team Blues started strongly, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Vishen Halambage setting a fiery pace. The duo stitched together a 60-run partnership in just 5.4 overs, with Nissanka smashing 30 runs off 15 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes, at a blistering strike rate of 200.
Halambage complemented him with a steady 32 off 25 balls, laced with 3 towering sixes. However, the middle order struggled as wickets fell at regular intervals, with Dhananjaya de Silva (1) and Ashen Bandara (8) unable to capitalize.
>>Mendis, Karunaratne & Hemantha guide Team Greens to third consecutive win
The innings was revived by a late flourish from Dasun Shanaka and Ravindu Fernando, who forged a match-defining 76-run partnership off 39 balls for the sixth wicket.
Shanaka remained unbeaten on 35 off 19 balls, striking 3 fours and 2 sixes, while Fernando’s aggressive 41 off 24 balls, featuring 5 fours and a six, propelled Team Blues to a competitive 178/6 in their 20 overs.
Chasing 179, Team Greys got off to a flying start, courtesy of an electrifying 55-run opening stand in just 4.1 overs between Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella. Chandimal was in sublime form, scoring 44 off 25 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 176, setting the tone for the chase.
Dickwella chipped in with a quickfire 21 off 11 balls before falling to Dhananjaya de Silva. Despite losing Lahiru Udara (2) and Chandimal in quick succession, the Greys remained unfazed.
Skipper Charith Asalanka and the run-machine Nuwanidu Fernando then took charge, stitching together a match-winning 89-run partnership off 51 balls for the fourth wicket.
Asalanka’s aggressive 45 off 28 balls, studded with 2 fours and 3 sixes, kept the momentum going, while Fernando’s unbeaten 50 off 34 balls, including 4 fours and a six, anchored the chase with composure.
Matheesha Pathirana (2/32) was the standout bowler for Team Blues, but it wasn’t enough to defend their total.
>>Team Greens shine bright with back-to-back victories
This victory marked Team Greys’ second win in the tournament, ensuring their qualification for the SLC T20 League 2025 final, where they will face the formidable Team Greens on August 16.
The SLC T20 League 2025 continues with the sixth match – the final game of the first round – between Team Greens and Team Greys, scheduled for August 14 at the same venue. With both teams in fine form, the stage is set for another thrilling contest as the tournament heads toward its climax.
Spectators can catch all the excitement LIVE on ThePapare 2 (Dialog TV Ch. 63), the Dialog ViU app, and ThePapare.com.
https://stats.thepapare.com/cricket/match/slc-blues-vs-slc-greys-slc-t20-league-5th-match
