Sri Lanka, June 7 -- Panadura SC opener Vishen Halambage stroked a blistering 83 off just 39 balls, including 9 fours and 5 sixes, but his effort was in vain as NCC clinched a nail-biting 1-run victory in their Major Clubs T20 cricket match played at the CCC Grounds yesterday.

NCC, the defending champions, posted 159 for 6 in their 20 overs, led by an unbeaten 50 from Chamika Karunaratne off 28 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes), and a quickfire 44 from opener Niroshan Dickwella (30 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes).

Chasing 160, Panadura looked on track thanks to the explosive knock from the 20-year-old Halambage. However, NCC skipper Sahan Arachchige turned the tide with his off-spin, claiming 3 for 29, as Panadura fell agonizingly short at 158 all out....