Wayamba breeze to Twenty20 title

Ajantha Mendis made short work of Ruhuna's tail to eliminate any threat to Wayamba's total in the final in Moratuwa

Wayamba Elevens retained their place as Sri Lanka’s representative in this year's Champions League Twenty20 by winning the country’s Inter-provincial Twenty20 title today.

The Kurunegala-based team comfortably beat Ruhuna by 95 runs in Moratuwa, thanks largely to the success of Sri Lanka stars Mahela Jayawardene and Ajantha Mendis.

Batting first, Wayamba racked up 208 for eight, with opener Jayawardene smashing 91 from 49 balls, including six sixes.

His opening stand with Jeevantha Kulatunga was worth 89 by the eighth over.

In reply, Ruhuna lost international openers Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya cheaply, but rallied to reach a promising 77 for two at one stage.

But the loss of Dinesh Chandimal for 64, seventh out at 105, spelt the end. Mendis, the mystery spinner, mopped up the lower order for figures of 4-9 from 3.2 overs.

The 2010 Champions League, won last year by New South Wales, is set to take place in late September in India.