Ragama CC pull off exciting one-run win over NCC

• Keep alive semi-final place in SLC Major T20 inter-club

Ragama CC kept alive their chances of a place in the semi-finals when they pulled off an exciting one-run win over NCC in a SLC Major T20 inter-club match played at the P. Sara Oval yesterday.

The win brought Ragama CC level on six points with Group B leaders BRC and second placed Panadura SC with only the net run rate separating them.

NCC chasing a target of 163 required 17 for victory in the final over and had the possibility of scoring them with Kavin Bandara in superb touch scoring 82 off 58 balls (5 sixes, 4 fours). However, his dismissal off the third ball in a bizarre 11-ball final over from Nipun Malinga that comprised five wides, brought NCC to within touching distance of victory, but only to fall short by two runs.     

Ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake took four wickets for 18 runs and skipper Shashrika Pussegolla thumped seven sixes in an innings of 78 off 40 balls to see Sebastianites to a compelling seven-wicket win over Police SC.

Colts retained their Group C leadership with an easy six wicket win over Kandy Customs CC which was their fourth straight win in the tournament. They will however have to fight out the final position with second placed Tamil Union on 13 June. Tamil Union beat Negombo CC by six wickets to move within two points of Colts and lie second in the table.

BRC regained the number one spot from Panadura SC in Group B with eight wicket win over Chilaw Marians CC. BRC and Panadura SC are tied on six points from four matches with only the net run rate separating them.

In another match an all-round performance from SSC captain Sammu Ashan (career best 4/21 and 41*) saw them beat CCC comfortably by eight wickets.