Sri Lanka Premier Leagues inaugural edition end today at R Premadasa Stadium under a massive crowd. Uva Next played against Nagenahira Nagas in Finals to conclude the 24 match series.
The weather done a major damage during Semi Finals and the weather of final day stayed fine through out the day. The match scheduled to start on time as decided under a overcast condition. The toss of finals won by Angelo Mathews skipper of Nagenahira Nagas and decided to bat first.
Photo Album of the Match and Presentation.
Mathews expressed his view about the weather condition and also expected to offer oppositions a target of our 160. Thilina Kandamby of Uva Next had the same view after loosing the toss that he also wanted to bat first, Kandamby further explained that they would try to restrict opposition to a score of 160. Dilhara Fernando one of major bowler who done the damage in early matches entered back to the team in finals.
Uva Next managed to tighten Nagas openners and were able to pick 3 of their batsman for a low score. During the 10th over rain came in to the action and delayed the proceeding of the match over an hour. Nagas were bit disappointed with their start and the score was 47/3 in 9.1 overs.
The match reduced in to 15 over a side, Angelo Mathews & TN Sampath continued their inning with added power to increase the run rate. Angelo Mathews showcased a tremendous inning of 73 just in 27 deliveries with 4 sixes. The inning of Mathews added hope of win for Nagas.
The Target for Uva Next was 135 in 15 overs to win and it was a competitive task for both contenders.
Photo Album of the Match and Presentation.
Dilshan Munaweera and Bhanuka Rajapaksha opened the inning for Uva Next, Munaweera continued his class with the bat to chase down the given task. Bhanuka Rajapaksha gone for just 2 runs as the first wicket and surprising move made by Uva Next as the 3rd batsman, Seekuge Prasanna sent as their 3rd batsman and he proved his move with 2 sixes and also managed to rotate the strike with his partner Munaweera. Munaweera scored 44 runs in 23 deliveries and the inning blitz with 5 massive sixes. End of 5.1 overs rain effected the proceedings of the match and officials called off the match.
Uva Next were 19 runs ahead from the Duckworth Levis Par score at the point of match stopped and announced winners of first ever Sri Lanka Premier League. Uva Next grabbed the Maiden SLPL trophy into their hand.
Match Summery
Nagenahira Nagas 134/4 (15 overs)
Imran Nazir 6, Ahmed Shehzad 18, TR Birt 10, AD Mathews 73*, TN Sampath 9, C de Grandhomme 6*
JDP Oram 1/13, Umar Gul 0/33, AB McDonald 2/24, S Prasanna 0/17, SMSM Senanayake 0/8, CRD Fernando 1/31
Uva Next 63/1 (5.1 overs)
EMDY Munaweera 44*, PBB Rajapaksa 2, S Prasanna 15*
AD Mathews 0/24, RMS Eranga 0/7, BAW Mendis 1/25, PVD Chameera 0/6
Uva Next won by 19 runs (D/L Method)
Full Match Video
Photo Album of the Match and Presentation.
