Wayamba beats Uva despite Oram’s heroics

Wayamba United led by Sri Lanka Captain Mahela Jayawardena secured a key victory over Uva Next despite the latter’s New Zealand player Jacob Oram’s all round heroics at the Mahindra Sri Lanka Premier League encounter at Pallakelle Stadium yesterday.

After being put to put, Wayamba United scored 147 for 9 in their 20 overs despite losing 3 wickets under 20 runs. Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal went for a duck in the third ball of the innings whilst Mahela got out for 9. Kamran Akmal scored 36 off 32 balls, whilst Waymba’s middle order consolidated the innings with useful contributions by T.A.M. Siriwardana (28), K. Weeraratne (24) and Dinesh Chandimal (13).

Uva Next’s Jacob Oram had best figures with the ball three wickets for just six runs in four overs whilst Umar Gul C.R.D. Fernando had two wickets each.

In reply, Uva Next could only muster 127 before being all out in the 18th over.

Making his Sri Lanka premier League debut West Indies S. Chanderpaul made 11 whilst another debutant Shoaib Malik went out cheaply with 5.  Uva Next Captain Kandamby managed only 12 whilst Oram contributed with his batting as well scoring 26 off 19 balls though his side failed to win. Uva’s opening batsman EM.G.D.Y. Munaweera scored 26 as well.

Wayamba’s fast bowler Chathuranga Kumara took three for 33 which was good enough to win the Man of the Match. Isuru Udana and Under 21 player Akila Perera was impressive with his spin bowling taking 2 wickets.

In his post match comments, Wayamba Campatin Mahela said: “We were behind the eight ball after we lost the toss on that sticky wicket. Last six overs, the two left-handers got us a fighting total. Young guys put up their hands and performed, good to see the energy in the field. Senior lot will take the responsibility, young guys need to go out and have fun, that is how they will learn, with a relaxed mind.”

Uva Next’s Chief Kandamby said: “We did not capitalise after Jacob started really well. He is in very good form, gave us a brilliant start in the last game also. 147 is very much gettable, we did not bat well, did not do basics right.”