RSWS: SL Legends beat SA, set-up summit clash with India
An incredible five-for by Nuwan Kulasekara helped Sri Lanka Legends beat South Africa Legends by eight wickets in the Road Safety World Series T20 semi-final. Sri Lanka chased down a paltry target of 126 with ease in the penultimate clash. In what will be a repeat of 2011 World Cup final, SL Legends will lock horns with India Legends in the summit clash.
How did the match pan out?
Despite the early dismissal of A Puttick, SA Legends made a quick recovery as SL Legends elected to field. The likes of Morne van Wyk (53) and A Petersen (27) shared a 47-run stand before the latter departed. However, SA got bowled out on 125, with Kulasekara taking a five-for. Meanwhile, SL Legends easily chased the target with more than two overs to spare.
First five-wicket haul of the tournament
Fast bowler Kulasekara decimated the SA batting line-up in the first innings. He mowed down the middle-order, denying SA Legends any chance of a comeback. The right-arm pacer finished with five wickets, giving away 25 runs in four overs. In the process, he registered the first five-wicket haul of the ongoing tournament. Kulasekara was named the Player of the Match for his incredible bowling.
SL Legends were powered by the top-order
Sri Lanka Legends made a strong start to the run-chase, with Tillakaratne Dilshan (18) and Sanath Jayasuriya (18) attacking the bowlers. After their departure, Upul Tharanga (39*) and Chinthaka Jayasinghe (47*) finished the run-chase. They completed the run-chase in 18th over.
Sri Lanka Legends to take on India Legends in final
With a one-sided win, SL Legends booked a spot in the Road Safety World Series T20 finale. They will face India Legends, who defeated West Indies Legends in what turned out to be a high-scoring semi-final. The RSWS final, which kicks-off on Sunday, will bring back the wonderful memories of 2011 WC, wherein India defeated Sri Lanka in the final.
