SIRSA:  Group  B leaders Indian Navy will cross swords with group A runners-up Indian Air Force and group A winners Lahore Lions of Pakistan will face the challenge of  group B runners-up Life Insurance Corporation of India in the semi-finals of the  Jannayak Ch Devi Lal International Twenty20 Cricket Tournament being played at the JCD National Cricket Academy Stadium here on Thusday night.

Indian Navy and Lahore Lions maintained their all-win records in their respective groups. Indian Air Force had finished their league programme with two wins and one defeat. LIC also recorded two triumphs and suffered one defeat.

In the last league encounter, which was a day-night affair, Indian Navy outplayed Saracens Sports Club, Colombo by five wickets to keep their slate clean.

Chasing a victory target of 86 runs, the Indian sailors easily achieved their target as they over took their opponents' total by scoring 87 for 5 in 18.4 overs.  Openers Amit Kumar (10) and Tahir Khan (17, 1x4s, 1x6) were concerned in a valuable 35-run partnership for the first wicket in 6.1 overs. But they lost the next three quick wickets and were placed at 54 for 5.

However, Sanjeev Mishra (15) and Narender Kumar (16) carried their total to 85 without any further loss as their sixth wicket undefeated partnership yielded 33 runs. stand Narender Kumar was adjudged the man of the match. Punjab Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa presented the MoM which carried a cash prize of Rs 21.000. He also announced a grant of Rs five lakh to the organisers for promotion of sports.

Earlier, the  Sri Lanka team won the toss and elected to bat first. They were dismissed for 85 in stipulated 20 overs.  Milinda Sepala was their highest scorer with 17 runs. Geeth Alwis (15), Ravi Karunarathne (10) and Sujith Nikethana (12 not out) were their other main scorers.MOhd Fazil (2 for 10), Amrinder Singh  (2 for 11), Sachin Nankarani (2 for 9), Rakesh Kumar (2 for 30) restricted the Colombo team's wicket-takers.

Brief scores: Saracens Sports Club, Colombo: 85 all out in 20 overs (Geeth Alwis 15, Ravi Karunarathne 10, Milinda Sepala 17, Sujit Nikethana not out 12, Amrinder Singh 2 for 11, Sachin Nadkarani 2 for 9, Rakesh Kumar 2 for 30, Narender Kumar 1 for 20, Amit Kumar 1 for 5).

Indian Navy: 87 for 5 in 18.4 overs (Amit Kumar 10, Tahir Khan 17, Sanjeev Mishra not out 17, Narinkumar not out 16, Geeth Alwis 3 for 4, Malinda Pushpakumara 2 doe 8).