Sharjah: Shadeep Silva and Indika Batuwitaarachchi of Emirates Sri Lanka bowled effectively when it mattered most to set up an exciting eight-run victory over Emirates India in the Alam Steel Four Nations Cup, organised by the Emirates Cricket Board, at the Sharjah stadium.
Shadeep snared four wickets for 32 runs while Indika returned with a three-wicket haul for 28 runs as Emirates Sri Lanka successfully defended their modest total of 189 in a match which had all the ingredients of a thriller.
Emirates Sri Lanka, batting first after winning the toss, were off to solid start with their openers Oshada Warnapura (36 off 76 balls) and Niresh Fernando (30 off 33 balls) putting on 49 runs.
But after their exit, events took a dramatic turn with Emirates India making quick inroads into the Emirates Sri Lanka batting, thanks to some brilliant bowling by Piyush Maloo, Yasin Siqander and Vikrant Shetty.
Emirates Sri Lanka were quickly reduced to six for 111 before Shadeep Silva (35 off 27 balls with one four and one six) and Tharaka Samarathunga (17 not out) steadied the stuttering innings with some fine batting.
