Moors SC narrowly fail to qualify for semi finals

Moors SC narrowly failed to qualify for the semi finals of the Premier Limited Overs tournament today after defeating Police SC by four runs. This meant that they became the third team with ten points in the group. SSC qualify by virtue of having won the most matches. The final place between Tamil Union and Moors then came down to Net Run Rate and Tamil Union's was marginally greater.

Despite winning the match Moors Sports Club's NRR remained unchanged on +0.95 as the Duckworth Lewis method had to be used. This meant that Tamil Union squeeze through to the semi finals with a NRR of +1.12.

Moors SC thought they had qualified immediately after the match. They apparently believed that a win would be sufficient for qualification. However, this was not the case and NRR became the cruel arbitrator.

Moors were though lucky to have played the match at all. No other match was played in Colombo. The game was reduced to 28 overs after a late start and Police Sports Club scored 140 for nine wickets in their allocated 28 overs.

In reply, Moors Sports Club lost regular wickets throughout their run chase but eventually emerged victors when bad light stopped play. WMB Perera was the key to their victory and the only player to score a half century in the match. He finished with an unbeaten 50 runs from 57 balls

Group A also remains interestingly poised after a day of rain in Colombo. With no play possible both CCC and NCC are fighting for the last semi final place. CCC have a chance to shape their destiny when they play Kurunegala tomorrow. If they win they qualify.If Kurunegala win, an unlikely scenario, then NCC will qualify.

Whatever happens, we can look forward to two intriguing semi finals next weekend. Muralitharan's, Tamil Union, will probably take on NCC/CCC and SSC will tussle with an impressive Colts team. Indeed, Colts CC looks to be favorites and is the only team to have remained unbeaten so far in the tournament.

The semi finals will be played at Premadasa International Stadium and are scheduled to be day/night affairs.