Basnahira South sneak into semi-finals

Ruhuna, Kandurata, Wayamba and Basnahira South qualified to play in the semi-finals of the Inter-Provincial Limited Overs to be played on Friday (February 19). Ruhuna will take on Basnahira South at Moratuwa while the other semi-final will be a repeat of the final round-robin match between Kandurata and Wayamba. It will be played at the NCC.

At the completion of the round-robin league stage, Ruhuna ended on top of the standings after their final game at P Sara Oval against Basnahira South ended in a no-result due to rain. Chasing Basnahira South's total of 230 for 8, Ruhuna were not happily placed being 61 for 4 after 15 overs when the interruption occurred. Basnahira South and Basnahira North tied with 10 points for fourth spot. But as Basnahira South had won the round-robin league match against their opponent they qualified for fourth place, although Basnahira North had a better net run-rate.

It was hard on Basnahira North because they had beaten SLC Combined XI in their final match by three wickets at De Zoysa Stadium and had all but qualified to play in the semi-finals.

Kandurata, who had held onto the lead right from the start of the competition eventually ended in second place when they suffered their second defeat. Kandurata was unfortunate to lose on the D/L method by two runs at Pallekele after rattling off an impressive 312-4, during which opener Kaushalya Weeraratne hit a brilliant 143 off 158 balls (16 fours, three sixes) and Chamara Kapugedera an attractive 88. Wayamba scored their runs at a good pace keeping an eye on the weather and when rain stopped play they were 147 for 3 off 25 overs which under the D/L method was two runs ahead of the target. The final is scheduled for Sunday (February 21) at Moratuwa.