Cricket: Nagas win rain-affected SLPL tie

Eranga, Mendis shine in side’s D/L win in league opener.

Nagenahira Nagas won the opening, rain-affected match of the Sri Lankan Premier League when it beat Ruhuna Royals by five runs on D/L method at the R Premadasa Stadium.

Opting to bat first, Royals struggled to put up regular partnerships and were bundled out for 134. The team, that had Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and Wahab Riaz, failed to cope with Shaminda Eranga who had figures of three for 15. Ajantha Mendis claimed three scalps as well. In reply, Nagas’ batsman showed composure and moved at steady pace to reach 77 for two in 12 overs, before rain interrupted the match and they were declared winners.

Travis Birt was their top-scorer with 33 off 38 balls.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2012.