The first semi-final Match for the Bharthi Aritel Super T20 tournament organized by the Mercantile Cricket Association saw MAS active taking on HNB today at the MCS grounds. The conditions under foot were soggy as a result of the previous night’s heavy down pour. MAS Active won the toss and elected to field first definitely taking the ground conditions into consideration.
The MCA grounds is generally a mud soiled ground which makes it very damp during rainy conditions.
HNB put up a strong total of 194 for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs with Kosala Kulasekara making a dynamic 54 off just 24 balls remaining unbeaten. Kosala belted the ball to all parts of the ground clearing the ropes with ease. Some delightful shots were on display by this batsman. He was given good support by Madawa Warnapura who ended on 46, an unlucky patch for the youngster just 4 runs short of his half century. The duo put on a 74 run partnership for the 4th wicket which really gave a solid foundation to pounce from.
Irosh Samarasooriya bowled a tidy spell capturing 2 wickets for 23 runs and Sri Lankan camper Kaushal Lokuarachchi captured 2 for 47. Although Kaushal was a little on the expensive side he looked to do the basics right but Madawa and Kosala were masterful in their stroke making.
It was a disastrous start for MAS active as they lost their first wicket for no runs. It was a collective effort Udara Jayasundara who scored 30 runs while Andy Solomons and Angelo Perera scored 33 and 31 runs respectively. The MAS active side had 3 Sri Lankan players; Angelo Perera, Kaushal Lokuarachchi and Isuru Udana, yet lost to a young side from HNB.
Skipper Saman Jayantha bowled a stunning spell capturing 4 wickets for 33 runs, a delightful exhibition of fast swing bowling by the lad. Left arm medium fast bowler Vimukthi Perera provided good support to his skipper ending with figures of 2 for23, keeping one end quite.
MAS active lost wickets at regular intervals and the HNB bowling proved to be difficult to handle while the fielding was always up to the mark with fielders throwing themselves around to stop boundaries and the extra runs. In the end MAS active was bundled up for 169 runs in 18 overs and HNB was through to the finals winning the game by 25 runs, quite convincingly with good cricket on show.
The tournament finals will be held tomorrow at the Mercantile Cricket association grounds. One can expect nothing but explosive cricket from these mercantile teams tomorrow at the Finals.
