Soldiers book final berth

A brilliant allround performance by national discard Seekkuge Prasanna ensured Army’s entry to SLC Major Clubs Limited Over final with a crushing 124- run win over Ace Capital at the second semifinal played at the NCC grounds yesterday.

After setting a target of 247, all what the star-studded Army unit needed was just 27.2 overs to bowl out the lackluster Ace Capital outfit to book their place in the final to be played at the SSC grounds on Tuesday.

The architecture of their rousing win was Prasanna, who doubled up his excellent form with the bat to rip through Ace Capital’s innings with the ball. With six sixes and as many boundaries, Prasanna smashed a quick-fire 89 off 66 balls to propel Army’s total.

He then bamboozled the

Ace Capital batsmen with his leg-spins claiming 4 for 26. He was well supported by Suminda Lakshan— another leg- spinner returning figures of 4 for 42. Lakshan also contributed with the bat, hitting 33, while wicket-keeper Mahesh Kumara also made 46. Lakshan and Mehesh shared

74 runs for the seventh wicket after Army co l - lapsed to 154-6 despite Prasanna’s whirlwind knock.

Ace Capital lost two early wickets with the score on 13 and never recovered thereafter as Army picked wickets at regular intervals, shattering Ace Capital’s hopes of reaching the finals. Army will meet the winner of the first semi- final, which was put off yesterday.

The first semi- final between Tamil Union and CCC was abandoned after 6.3 overs due to dangerous pitch conditions and has now been rescheduled for today at SSC grounds. The finals will be played on August 2, at the SSC grounds.