Wayamba take first points but keep Central Districts winless

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, CMC – Wayamba wrapped up a wretched run in the Champions League Twenty20 on a high note when they beat Central Districts by 74 runs yesterday.

Behind a big effort from their bowlers – including a hat-trick from left-arm seamer Isuru Udana – the Sri Lankan side sent Central Districts tumbling for 70 off 15.3 overs, in response to their 144 for six.

Playing at St George’s Park, Udana snatched a cluster of wickets in the third over of the innings third as the New Zealand unit crashed to 16 for five, a position from which they never recovered.

Only Bevan Griggs with 19 from 22 balls showed any resistance as Udana (3-22) and spinner Ajantha Mendis (3-14) combined to send the innings into a tailspin.

Earlier, Jehan Mubarak top-scored with 30 from 26 balls with two sixes and a four, to propel Wayamba after they won the toss and opted to bat.

He shared 43 for the third wicket with Mahela Udawatte whose 23 required 37 balls and included two fours.

The victory was the first for Wayamba while Central Districts finished the cash-rich tournament winless.