Legends v AUCC XI

Match report  Written automatically from the PlayHQ scorecard · reviewed by the club

Fernando's 59 in Vain as AUCC Snatch Thrilling 2-Wicket Win

Match summary

Despite Lakshan Fernando's aggressive 59, Sri Lankan Legends fell agonizingly short as AUCC chased down 184 with just 2 wickets to spare in a nail-biting finish.

Match report

A pulsating contest saw Sri Lankan Legends suffer a heartbreaking 2-wicket defeat against AUCC Presidents XI in a match that went down to the wire.

Lakshan Fernando set the tone with an attacking 59 off 61 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes to give Legends early momentum. Sumi Eratne provided solid support at the other end with a patient 29 off 66 balls, and Dinesh Perera contributed 25 as Legends posted 183/7 from their 35 overs.

Chandra Shekhar was the pick of the AUCC bowlers with impressive figures of 3/32, while Brent Lindenberg claimed 2/19 with his economical medium pace.

The chase started brightly for AUCC with Mark Paton (25) and Matt Colebourne (30) attacking the new ball. However, the Legends bowlers struck back through Sunitha Goonetilleke (2/28) and Kumara Maharage (2/32), reducing AUCC to a precarious position.

Captain Augustine Cadelis joined the fray with 2/30, and when Chandra Shekhar fell for a quick-fire 26 (16 balls), AUCC still needed runs with wickets in hand dwindling.

But Brent Lindenberg (28*) held his nerve magnificently, and alongside Brent Hore (26*), guided AUCC home with an unbroken 9th wicket partnership. The pair showed composure beyond their position to deny Legends what seemed a certain victory.

A tough loss for Legends who will rue not defending a competitive total.

Key moments

1. Lakshan Fernando smashes back-to-back sixes to reach his fifty
2. Chandra Shekhar removes three middle-order batters to put AUCC in control
3. Kumara Maharage bowls two in two to bring Legends back into the game
4. Brent Lindenberg and Brent Hore hold nerve in the final overs to seal victory

Player highlights