NCC claim two valuable points against Matara

With heavy storms in Colombo, NCC will be grateful that they were able to beat Matara SC with ease and secure a much needed two points. However, having already lost to CCC and with last weeks clash against Colts SC being abandoned, NCC still face a tough battle if they are to qualify for the semi finals of the Premier League Limited Overs tournament.

They were too strong for a lackluster Matara side at Maitland Place today. The Southern Province side was bundled out for just 135 in 49.4 overs. In reply, NCC lost only two wickets and had 27.1 overs to spare.

NCC won the toss and elected to field first, mindful of the threat of rain later in the day. Their decision was immediately rewarded with a wicket with Ravindra Pushakumara's opening delivery of the match.

Matara then rallied with a 52 run stand for the second wicket. Chandra Guruge led the way with 30 from 80 deliveries.

However, just when NCC were getting somewhat concerned, they broke the partnership, and Matara's middle order collapsed in a heap. They lost six wickets for 15 runs, including two run outs. Were it not for Ravin Nirmal, who scored an unbeaten 30, they would not have reached three figures.

The NCC batsmen were rarely troubled in reply. Led by South African tour hopefuls, Kumar Sangakkara (57*) and Russel Arnold (35*), they cruised to victory with just enough time to avoid the torrential downpour.