Sri Lankans off to a flyer
Sri Lankans started their 2017 CCA Moneygram Autumn T20 campaign with a thumping win over Moufflons on the opening day.
Moufflons after winning the toss decided to bat first and started steadily. The openers put together a 40+ runs partnership
as Moufflons reached the halfway stage at 56/1. With Ghulam Murtaza (41) and Zeeshand Sarwar (23) going strong, Moufflons were confident of posting a strong total, however, after the drinks
interval the game changed completely as Moufflons failed to capitalize on a steady start and fell to the spin of Nalin while trying to accelerate. Nalin finished with 5 wickets as Moufflons got
bundled out for 104 in the 19th over.
In reply, Sri Lankans came out all guns blazing and the brothers Mangala and Tera put together a fifity partnership in the
6th over. By the time Moufflons had their first success -Tera (15) in the 9th over, it was a matter of too little too late, as Mangala (51*) raced to the target with Chandana (18*) in the 11th
over. Perhaps, the brightest moment for Moufflons was the brilliant one handed reflex catch by Sharma in the 10th over to remove Susantha off the bowling of Rafiq.
Sri Lankans' task was made easy by the accurate bowling of all 5 bowlers, who bowled a probing line and made run scoring
difficult. Though, Moufflons bowlers bowled with passion, nevertheless, 4 dropped catches and with a small total to defend, it was always a tough ask.
A well deserved victory for Sri Lankans who remained on top throughout the game. The game was played in great spirit by
both teams and was umpired well by brothers Nalin and Tharanga of Sri Lankans Lions.
MH