Sri Lanka Lions power into Cyprus T20 final

Sri Lanka Lions from Limassol will meet Moufflons in the final of the 2022 BAO Financial Autumn T20 Cup on Sunday, after decisively beating Riyaan at Ypsonas cricket ground.

The Lions have really come to the fore this season, largely based on the strength of their formidable batting lineup. They have the competition’s two leading runscorers – Chamal Sadun with 357 and Akila De Silva 340 – so the prospect of chasing down Riyaan’s score of 166-9 would have held little fear for them, and they duly knocked off the runs in 15 overs for the loss of just two wickets.

The final will feature two teams very strong in batting – Moufflons’ Mehran Khan has the best batting average with 258 runs at 129 – so perhaps the outcome may depend on who is able to bowl and field better on the day. The match will take place at Ypsonas at 10.00am on 15 Jan.

Riyaan were put in to bat in the semi final but struggled against the bowling of Srinath Rajith (4-19). Awais Liaqat made 61 and Waqas Akhtar 46, but overall Riyaan’s score was a bit below par for this ground, despite a brief late-innings flurry from Tayyab Bashir (17 from 5 balls).

Sri Lanka Lions set off rapidly in reply, with Akila (56) and Srinath (43) putting on 102 for the first wicket in 9 overs. After both were dismissed, Sadun (25) and Suresh Gedara (22) added an unbeaten 60 in 5 overs to seal a comprehensive victory.

The final will feature two teams who have made good progress in the last couple of years, and should provide an exciting spectacle.

After the final there will be a short winter break before next season begins. Any new teams wishing to enter the next competition are invited to apply at [email protected]