Sri Lanka, June 14 -- Panadura SC pulled off a major upset by defeating the defending champions NCC by 48 runs (DLS method) in their rain-affected semi-final match at CCC Grounds yesterday.

Panadura SC set a challenging total of 165 for 7 in their 20 overs. NCC were struggling at 74 for 7 in 13 overs when rain interrupted play. At that point, NCC required a revised target of 123 runs (DLS method) but fell short by 48 runs, allowing Panadura SC, under Dushan Hementha's leadership to qualify for the final.

The match hero was undoubtedly Panadura SC opener Vishen Halambage, a 20-year-old who scored a rapid 55 runs off 26 balls (5 fours and 4 sixes). He received strong support from Nimesh Vimukthi (43 runs off 36 balls) and captain Dushan H...