Not a competitive end to the league stage but an engaging one nonetheless. Turned out the new pitch sprung a surprise on all involved, Colombo landed on the wrong side of it all. Galle have made their way through to have the proverbial two bites of the cherry. All that's left to say now, with the knockouts coming up, is mark your calendars.
Dasun Shanaka, Galle captain: We had the downfall in between but had the belief and are moving in the right direction. We expected there to be turn and for dew to have come in, our bowlers were spot-on. Kumara has changed his wrist position a bit to be more effective in these conditions. He has grown with confidence and experience. Litton and Najib have played with me a lot. Shakib has played a lot too. We have good understanding. We have a couple of games to go and hope to cross the finishing line.
Chamika Karunaratne, Colombo captain: I thought winning the toss was good on a new wicket. But they bowled well. Ifti was telling us that we had to go after the legspinner. I thought the ball was in my slot. I think 130-140 would have been a good score. Wicket was very slow. T20 wicket starting with spinners was very bad. League this year was good. So many people are coming and supporting. Great for the players. Wishing all the teams best of luck.
Tabraiz Shamsi, POTM: Next time, you can just call me on your shoe. It's just a bit of fun. Sometimes, umpires call up the third umpire went decisions are sent upstairs. So, that's just me phoning the third umpire. I have been rusty, having not played cricket for four months. I'm happy to get into my rhythm and groove as the tournament is coming to the end. The pitch was helpful, but you gotta put the ball in the right areas, it was more about varying pace and line. I have to give credit to the fast bowlers and rest of the guys. Dedicating this award to my wife, who's taking care of our son, who's been a bit ill.
Here is the official confirmation of Galle going up to No. 2, and sending Colombo out of the tournament. A note on Pathirana, who was helped off the ground. Not sure what the issue was or if it was anything serious.
9:57pm: What a turnaround! Galle seemed to have buried the game with the ball, early wickets did keep a miraculous defeat in the picture but Shakib and Croospulle's positivity ensured there was none of that. Colombo's spinners did try their best, the fielders had to take all chances which didn't happen. Vandersay and Iftikhar got wickets but they didn't have runs in the bank to apply pressure. But it was their batting that let them down.
Pathirana introduced with the game pretty much dead and buried. Focus just on Galle's race to No. 2