Dambulla assured of a place in final despite loss

■■ Kandy and Galle fight for second spot in NSL 50-over tourney

DAMBULLA despite suffering their first loss to Galle two days ago, have virtually clinched their place in the final of the National Super League 50-over tournament.

With 24 points from six matches, Dambulla, led competently by Sri Lanka white ball wicket-keeper/batsman Minod Bhanuka are currently on top of the standings and cannot be deprived of a place in the final even if they lose their remaining two games in the roundrobin league which enters a crucial phase.

Dambulla play Kandy at the R. Premadasa Stadium today and a win will simply consolidate their position at the top. Their final game is against Jaffna on 3 April.

The top two teams in the league qualify to play in the final on 6 April at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

It is not the same with defending champions Jaffna who are currently second in the standings with 16 points from six matches. Jaffna are hotly pursued by Galle and must win their final two league games against Colombo on 1 April and Dambulla on 3 April to be assured of their place in the final.

While Jaffna don’t have a game today, Galle get an opportunity to surpass Jaffna and move to second place in the standings when they meet wooden- spoonist Colombo at the SSC grounds today. Colombo are without a single win after five games.

Galle who are third in the table with 13 points from six matches complete their fixtures with two easy matches against Colombo and Kandy, two teams at the bottom of the table. Galle can make a strong case for themselves if they can win against Colombo and Kandy with a bonus point. Their final league match against Kandy is on 1 April.