Match report Written automatically from the PlayHQ scorecard · reviewed by the club
Dimuthu Liyanage's Explosive 64 Powers Rebels to Convincing Five-Wicket Victory Over TDCC Blue
Match summary
Sri Lankan Rebels chased down TDCC Blue's 164 with ease, winning by five wickets with 11 overs to spare at Riversdale Reserve. Dimuthu Liyanage's blistering 64 off 32 balls set the tone as the Rebels reached 165/5 in just 23.3 overs, while sajith Thimira's three-wicket haul earlier restricted TDCC Blue to a below-par total.
Match report
Sri Lankan Rebels produced a clinical performance at Riversdale Reserve on Saturday, chasing down TDCC Blue Presidents Major's 164 with consummate ease to register a five-wicket victory in the Presidents Grade Major competition.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Rebels' decision proved astute as their bowling attack, led by the impressive sajith Thimira, kept the TDCC Blue batsmen in check throughout the innings. Captain Simon Hayden's patient 37 off 56 balls provided some resistance, while Mark Hitchcock's brisk 27 off 19 balls gave the innings early momentum. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any substantial partnerships from developing.
Thimira was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/25 from 5.2 overs, providing crucial breakthroughs at key moments. The Rebels' spin duo of Udesh Peiris (2/20) and Suvi Makawita (2/17) bowled with exemplary control, while Samantha Malalasekara chipped in with 2/44 to help dismiss TDCC Blue for 164 in 34.2 overs.
The chase began in explosive fashion as Dimuthu Liyanage announced his intentions from the outset. Opening the batting, Liyanage played one of the innings of the season, smashing 64 runs off just 32 deliveries, including nine boundaries and three towering sixes. His aggressive strokeplay demoralized the TDCC Blue bowlers and effectively settled the contest within the first ten overs.
While Andrew Ross fought back with 2/28 to remove both Liyanage and Suvi Makawita, Asanka Abeykoon held the innings together with an unbeaten 31 off 37 balls, guiding the Rebels home alongside sajith Thimira. Sanjeewa Gunathilaka's solid 28 at the top of the order complemented Liyanage's fireworks perfectly, as the pair added valuable runs to give the chase early impetus.
The Rebels reached their target in just 23.3 overs, completing a comprehensive victory that showcased both their bowling discipline and batting firepower. This win strengthens their position in the Presidents Grade Major standings and highlights the team's balanced approach to the limited-overs format.
Key moments
- sajith Thimira's early breakthrough dismissing Mark Hitchcock for 27, halting TDCC Blue's aggressive start
- The middle-order collapse as TDCC Blue lost 5 wickets for 38 runs between overs 20 and 30
- Dimuthu Liyanage's explosive opening assault, reaching his half-century in just 26 balls
- Andrew Ross removing the dangerous Liyanage to briefly give TDCC Blue hope at 165/3
- Asanka Abeykoon's composed finish, seeing the Rebels home with 11 overs to spare
Player highlights
Batting
Dimuthu Liyanage's match-winning 64 off 32 balls was the standout performance, featuring nine fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 200. His aggressive approach set the platform for victory and took the pressure off his teammates. Asanka Abeykoon's unbeaten 31 demonstrated composure under pressure.
Bowling
sajith Thimira led the bowling attack superbly with 3/25 from 5.2 overs, maintaining an economy rate of 4.68. The spin combination of Udesh Peiris (2/20 at 4.00 economy) and Suvi Makawita (2/17 at 2.42 economy) was particularly impressive, conceding just 37 runs combined while taking four wickets.