Sri Lions claim thrilling win over UAE IGM

By Harsha Amarasinghe

Representing Sri Lanka in the most prestigious Bukhatir League 2022 for the first time in 14 years, Sri Lions claimed a thrilling victory of two wickets against Interglobe Marine at the historical Sharjah International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (14).  

Two former Sri Lanka players are representing Sri lions, in veteran left arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara and fast bowler Vikum Sanjaya in addition to the captain of Kuwait national cricket team – Mohmed Aslam. Bowling first, it was opening bowler Mohammed Ubaidulla who set the tone for the Sri Lions running through the IGM top order before which leg spinner Isham Ghouse bagged a three-fer to keep the pressure on the opponents. Vikum Sanjaya bowled well at the death to take two wickets for 50 runs which saw IGM bundled out for 170 runs at the end of their 40 overs.  

Sri Lions though had a few hiccups on their way, were able to eventually get there courtesy of a massive contribution from Waruna Perera who made 48 runs off 47 balls while Mohamed Aslam (30), Prasath Kumar (27) and Malinda Pushpakumara (22) all made good contributions with the bat as they chased down the target in 38.4 overs to record a Bukhatir League match win for Sri Lanka in 14 years.  

Scores

IGM 170 (40) (S. Khan 47, A. Khan 32; M. Ubaidulla 3/26, I Ghouse 3/26, V. Sanjaya 2/50)  
Sri Lions 176-8 (38.3) (W. Perera 48, M. Aslam 30, P. Kumar 27, M. Pushpakumara 22)