Match report Written automatically from the PlayHQ scorecard · reviewed by the club
Kapila Perera's Five-For Demolishes Rebels as CCC IFDA Seal Tense Three-Wicket Victory in Low-Scoring Thriller
Match summary
CCC IFDA chased down a modest 100-run target despite a spirited fightback from the Rebels, winning by three wickets in a gripping Presidents Grade encounter. Kapila Perera's devastating 5/15 restricted the Rebels to just 99, before Janaka Ranasinghe's late strikes made the chase nervy.
Match report
In a low-scoring arm-wrestle that epitomized Presidents Grade cricket, CCC IFDA - Presidents Grade (Major) emerged victorious by three wickets, successfully chasing down Sri Lankan Rebels' modest total of 99 at To Be Confirmed.
The match was defined by exceptional bowling from the outset. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Rebels found themselves in immediate trouble against the hostile spell of Kapila Perera. The right-arm seamer ripped through the top order, dismissing both openers - captain Kusal Eriagama for a two-ball duck and Sanjeewa Gunathilaka for just 1 - to leave the Rebels reeling at 3/3.
Only Asanka Abeykoon showed any resistance, crafting a patient 45 off 61 deliveries with six boundaries. His innings was a masterclass in survival, but he found little support at the other end. Udesh Peiris labored to 11 off 39 balls, reflecting the challenging batting conditions. Kapila Perera proved unplayable, claiming his fourth and fifth wickets to finish with remarkable figures of 5/15 from 6.1 overs. Chinthaka Dehan provided excellent support with 2/17, as the Rebels were bowled out for just 99 in 29.1 overs.
The chase began disastrously for CCC IFDA when Supathum Shiroshana fell for a duck to sajith Thimira in the first over. However, Ranuka Sanjeewa counter-attacked brilliantly, smashing 38 off 34 balls with six fours and a six, striking at 111.76 to put his side in control. Nadeek Wijerathne anchored the innings with a composed 33 not out from 50 deliveries.
The Rebels refused to surrender, fighting back through Janaka Ranasinghe's miserly spell. The bowler claimed three wickets for 19 runs, including two quick strikes that reduced CCC IFDA to 86/7 and set up a tense finish. Suminda Bamunusinghe's excellent figures of 1/2 from less than an over added to the pressure. However, the target proved just out of reach, as CCC IFDA scraped home in 20.4 overs to complete a hard-fought three-wicket victory.
Key moments
- Kapila Perera's devastating opening spell reduces Rebels to 3/3
- Asanka Abeykoon's lone hand of 45 prevents complete collapse
- Kapila Perera completes five-wicket haul, finishing with 5/15
- Ranuka Sanjeewa's counter-attacking 38 (34 balls) swings chase in CCC IFDA's favor
- Janaka Ranasinghe's 3/19 creates late drama but CCC IFDA hold their nerve
Player highlights
Batting
Asanka Abeykoon's defiant 45 off 61 balls top-scored for the Rebels, while Ranuka Sanjeewa's aggressive 38 off 34 balls (6 fours, 1 six) and Nadeek Wijerathne's unbeaten 33 guided CCC IFDA home.
Bowling
Kapila Perera's match-winning spell of 5/15 from 6.1 overs (economy 2.43) dismantled the Rebels batting, while Janaka Ranasinghe's excellent 3/19 from 5.1 overs nearly pulled off an unlikely victory.