By BV Swagath
Nagenahira Nagas led by Angelo Mathews defeated the Lasith Malinga led Ruhuna Royals in the opening match of the Sri Lanka Premier League 2012 today at the R Premasad Stadium in Colombo. It was a rain-affected contest at Colombo with no further play possible during the run chase of the Nagas.
After bowling out Ruhuna Royals for 134, the Nagas were at 77 for 2 in 12 overs. Australian Travis Birt was batting solidly on 33* (from 38 balls with 4 fours) in the run chase for the Nagas which ended abruptly due to rain. Nagenahira Nagas were declared the winners by 5 runs by the D/L Method.
Earlier, Ruhuna Royals batting first after winning the toss kept on losing wickets and as a result couldn’t see any momentum in its innings. Lahiru Thirimanne top scored with 34 from 33 balls with a six. For the Ruhuna Royals, fast bowler Shaminda Eranga claimed 3 for 15 in 4 overs while Ajantha Mendis took 3 for 34 in his 4 overs. There was another good bowling show which came from the tall pacer – Kanishka Alvitigala who conceded only 17 runs in his 4 overs besides a wicket.