Aided by a five-wicket haul from Nuwan Kulasekara, Sri Lanka Legends overcame South Africa Legends in the semi-final huddle at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium on Friday, and will face India Legends in the final.
Put to bat first, the Jonty Rhodes-led side were bundled out for a meagre total of 125 in their 20 overs. Opener Morne van Wyk high scored for the South Africa Legends with 53 off 47 balls.
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While Kulasekara chipped away the bulk of the wickets, Sanath Jayasuriya, Farveez Maharoof and Kaushalya Weeraratne settled for wicket apiece.
Without breaking a sweat, Sri Lanka Legends chased down the below-par target in 17.2 overs. Chinthaka Jayasinghe (47* off 25 balls) and opener Upul Tharanga’s (39*off 44 balls) knitted a 70-run stand for the third wicket.
After the sweet little victory, Sr Lanka Legends skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan said, “Toss is really important. We have a strong batting line-up, so we are able to chase totals. We are doing well in all departments, hopefully, we can produce it once more in two day’s time. Everyone is enjoying their time out here, both on and off the field.”
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“They’re keen to show whatever they did 10-15 years ago, so that’s why we’re doing well. We are getting good support back home. Many people left work early and I heard that they were gathering in big numbers to watch this match on a big screen. Only my hammy is a bit bad, rest all are fine. Big game. India have been playing really well. If we can continue this brand of cricket in the final, I think we can cross the line,” Dilshan added, India Today reported.
In the final, Sri Lanka Legends will look to overcome the India Legends on March 21.