SLC Invitational T20 League 2022, SLC Reds vs SLC Blues: Kusal Mendis, Theekshana too good as Reds lift the Cup

Maheesh Theekshana takes a stunner

The much-anticipated finale between SLC Reds and SLC Blues of the SLC Invitational T20 League 2022 was claimed by the former by seven wickets.

On the back of Maheesh Theekshana's bowling effort and Kusal Mendis' magnificent half-century, the Reds proved their dominance in the supreme clash. Blues, on the other side, were too short of the par score on a wicket that looked satisfactory for batting.

Bandara tried, but Reds' bowlers controlled the innings

Asked to bat first, the SLC Blues had to face the spin of Theekshana early on in the innings, where he claimed two wickets inside the powerplay. Not just the spinner but pacer Asitha Fernando was also among the wickets with two to his name.

For the Blues, Lahiru Udara tried hard but could only manage 37 off 40 deliveries, along with Ashen Bandara, whose resurgent innings of 40 (30) wasn't enough but still took their side to a respectable total of 136, losing six wickets meanwhile. Losing wickets at regular intervals was the primary reason behind their innings falling apart.

Mendis takes Reds home

After some quality bowling performance, the Reds came to bat with a not-so-slide target in front of them. Their innings started exceptionally well, with fifty coming up inside powerplay at the cost of Lasith Croospulle's wicket for 25. 

After that, Kusal Mendis (56) racked up a marvellous fifty batting till the end to ensure his side a delightful championship victory. Wanindu Hasaranga, too played a valuable quick-fire knock of 24 from 14 with four fours to assert mastery.

On the flip side, the Blues looked out of steam with Praveen Jayawickrama (2) and Suminda Lakshan (1) being the only persons among wickets, and the rest couldn't pose any threat to the opposition. In the end, the target proved to be overly short, with the Reds reaching home inside 17 overs.

Brief Scores: 

SLC Blues: 136-6 (20 Overs)

Ashen Bandara 40 (30), Lahiru Udara 37 (40);
Maheesh Theekshana 2/22 (4), Asitha Fernando 2/31 (4)

SLC Reds: 137-3 (16.5 Overs)

Kusal Mendis 56 (45), Lasith Croospulle 25 (15);
Praveen Jayawickrama 2/34 (4), Suminda Lakshan 1/25 (3)

Match Result: SLC Reds won by 7 wickets.

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